A TEAM of volunteers has helped to craft more than 1,000 poppies to commemorate the sacrifice made by local men and women killed in war.

Local craft groups and shops have worked tirelessly to produce the flowers that are dotted across Wigton, which are believed to number between 1,000 and 2,000

The Fountain at the centre of the town has been decorated in a sea of red poppies with a remembrance theme to mark World War One.

As well as the fountain, poppies have also been attached to many of the town’s trees.

Leading the project is local resident Sandra Hodson.

She said: “I am proud to be doing this.

“It’s hard work. I’ve spend two months sewing and repairing poppies from last year. This year I had a lot of help from Wigton Young Farmers.

“What took me five days last year took five hours this year.”

This year the Northern District of Cumbria Young Farmers is running a community challenge to encourage members from the clubs to get out in the community and give something back to the local area, which is why Wigton Young Farmers decided to get involved in this.

Secretary of the group, Lauren Bowe, said: “I feel very passionate about this as I feel we should showcase all the good things Young Farmers do.

“I thought it was really nice for Sandra to ask us to help decorate Wigton, although it was a very cold morning. It was nice to see our members take some time out of their busy weekends and work together to produce such a lovely, eye-catching display.

“It really made us feel like part of the community, and so many people stopped and said what a good job we did. People in cars were pipping their horns and giving us thumbs up too, which made us all feel very proud and patriotic to give the people of Wigton something to look at and stop and think about as we reflect on remembrance day.”

Sandra explained what lay behind the special poppy display.

“It was an idea that I thought of a couple of years ago when Carlisle Castle did their cascading poppies and I thought I’m sure we could do something similar.

“It represents Wigton remembering which is extremely important. It was instilled in me when I was a little girl and then through the Brownies, Guides and Young Leaders. It was something we took great pride in marching each year. It’s something I’ve always tried to teach the young ones, that you must remember. “

Sandra is appealing for more poppies to be made for the displays, in particular knitted, crotched and felt ones. Anyone who would like to donate some can drop them off at Woolsty Crafts on High Street or the library on High Street.

Ahead of a packed poignant weekend of services, Carlisle cemetery by Dalston Road held its annual Remembrance ceremony at the Commonwealth War Graves on Thursday morning.

The Mayor of Carlisle Marilyn Bowman laid a wreath to pay her respects.

Mrs Bowman told The Cumberland News how the memories for those who fought for our country should never be forgotten.

“I think it’s very important for everyone to remember the servicemen and women who gave their lives for us, for freedom, so that we can live our lives now.

“It isn’t just World War One or Two – there have been other conflicts since then where our brave servicemen and women made the ultimate sacrifice, and we should never ever forget them or what they have done for us.”

The mayor will also attend the Festival of Remembrance at St Cuthbert’s Church on Blackfriars Street in the city centre tonight at 7pm.

On Sunday morning, she will also pay her respects in a special service at Carlisle Cathedral, which will be followed by a commemoration service in Market Square, then onwards to the Castle, rounded off with an event at the Rickerby Park war memorial.

Meanwhile, Margaret Wadsworth, chairman of Carlisle and Stanwix branch of the Royal British Legion, was also in attendance at Thursday morning’s service.

She said: “People don’t realise there are well over 300 war graves in Carlisle cemetery for people who gave their lives. It’s just special to come here and say thank you to them.

“Ahead of Sunday’s services, we will hold a coffee morning in the Old Town Hall in the city centre on Saturday morning to help raise money for the poppy appeal.”