A sea of poppies cascading from a church has been unveiled in remembrance of fallen soldiers.

Over 11,000 poppies were knitted together by members of the East Preston Yarnbombers and other community groups having originally asked for just 4,000.

The breath-taking display was unveiled at St Mary the Virgin Church in East Preston near Littlehampton and will also act as a half-term trail around the village.

Yarnbomber Valerie Sharp said: "It was just so special. I couldn't begin to tell you how many people have got involved.

"It has been such a huge community event - we have had people in care homes, lunch groups and Women's Institutes all making poppies."

East Preston Yarnbombers initially put the call out for residents to help them make 4,000 poppies in order to create the cascade from the church's spire.

But, after that target was already matched last April, over 11,000 poppies were eventually made for the installation.

The poppies have also been installed near East Preston's war graves as well as at 18 different locations around the village. The poppies will act as a half-term trail and will be in place until November 24, Valerie added. 

Several thousand poppies will be involved in the displaySeveral thousand poppies will be involved in the display (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) The poppies were unveiled on Saturday, October 26 with an event kicked off by East Preston Junior School choir inside the church.

Guests gathered at the cascade to be addressed by Father Andrew Perry and Karen Toney from the National Poppy Appeal, before the last poppy was added to the display.

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This was followed by a one-minute silence.

Valerie told The Argus plans for the next Christmas display were well under way and would be unveiled at the end of the poppy display in November.

Following the end of the display the poppies will be kept by the Royal British Legion with the hope it will be used at other remembrance events throughout the year including Armed Forces Day.

The display could also be loaned out to other branches of the Royal British Legion across the country, Valerie said.