A red river of poppies is cascading over the porch of St Mary’s Church in South Tawton this week, representing many hours of work by knitters and crocheters to remember those who died in the world wars.

This is the first year that the village has undertaken the project, and the final poppy was threaded into place on Monday, ready for Remembrance.

Organiser Linda Sampson explained that there had been more than 30 knitters and crocheters, and some had made more than 100 poppies.

“We have just finished putting it up,” she said. “It is the first time we have done it and we are hoping to build on it - we are hoping to take it up to the roof next year.”

She explained that the idea had originally come from village residents Anne and Ken Crawford and crafters in South Tawton and neighbouring South Zeal, Sticklepath and Okehampton had set to work to create the poppies, joined by others further afield.

“The Friends of St Andrews South Tawton undertook the financial side of things and South Tawton Parish Council very generously donated £150 towards the purchase of red and black wool,” said Linda.

“A coffee morning to promote this Royal British Legion fundraising event was held in May at which we raised over £200 and also generated more knitters and crocheters. We then started receiving donations of wool for the project, people who were unable to knit or crochet wanted to help so donated wool instead.

“We have had people from as far away as Nottingham, Southampton, and, would you believe, Belgium knitting and crocheting the poppies. They are all made from wool stitched onto a net backing. I should think we have had about 30/35 people busy making. Altogether some have made well over 100 and still counting to increase the display next year.”

The display can be admired at the church this week and throughout Remembrance. The poppy sculpture remembers the horses, dogs and pigeons that died in conflict, with donations invited for the Royal British Legion.