Two poppy displays installed in Loughborough ahead of Remembrance Sunday

The handmade poppies are decorating trees.

The two displays have been installed on trees in Queen’s Park and on the Forest Road Greenbelt.

Each tree has been dressed in around 6,500 handmade, knitted poppies.

The bottom of the tree also features recycled bottles painted by children at Watermead Day Nursery to resemble poppies.

The project has been led by Loughborough in Bloom and the Forest Road Greenbelt Gardeners with the support of volunteering groups and individuals.

The Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr David Northage, said: “This is a moving tribute to all those who have served our country and lost their lives in action.

“I would like to thank everyone involved with the poppies being knitted and installed onto the trees as they create a real centre piece ahead this year’s Remembrance Sunday service.”

Pat Cook, chair of Loughborough in Bloom, said: “Loughborough in Bloom pays its respects each year to those who have served and lost their lives in the armed forces and it is fantastic to be able to dress the trees in poppies once again.

“It has been a long process with lots of groups and individuals involved in knitting the poppies and it is a proud moment to see them up on the trees ahead of Remembrance Sunday. Thank you to everyone involved in the project.”

Several groups and organisations have supported the project, which has been ongoing throughout the year. They include Charnwood Borough Council, idverde, Loughborough Ladies WI, Forest Road Green Belt Gardeners, Friends of Queens Park, Watermead Day Nursery, Purple Pumpkin Patch, various local scout groups as well as Individuals from the local community.

The displays also include purple poppies to mark the service of animals in conflicts and white poppies to represent peace.

The annual Remembrance Sunday service takes place on Sunday, 9 November at Queen’s Park in Loughborough.