THE plans in Northlew to commemorate the centenary of the start of the First World War have been commended by the MP for Central Devon.

Over three million seeds stretching across 20 miles on the roadside verges between Okehampton and Ashbury Station are to be planted to commemorate the lives of service men who died during the World War One.

In particular, the poppies will honour the 24 from Northlew who lost their lives in the conflict.

Significantly, although a small village, Northlew lost more servicemen proportionately than anywhere in the country.

An outdoor service on the evening of July 28, 2014, at 9pm is scheduled to be held in the village square.

In the twilight, houses surrounding the square will be illuminated with projected moving videos of the war, highlighting the bombing, life in the trenches and the after effects such as shell shock and living with disability caused by the conflict.

Sutton Seeds have donated 50 kilograms of poppy seeds for the project. Some of the seeds are to be planted in November, with the rest planted next spring so that they bloom next summer.

There will be thought provoking trench poetry and the evening will end in images of fields of poppies swaying in the wind and the words 'We Will Remember Them'.

During a House of Commons debate, Mr Stride praised those who 'do so much to make sure that those who died in the Great War are not forgotten'.