DAFFODIL Day is going to be bigger and better than ever this year to celebrate the 250th anniversary of William Wordsworth’s birth.

And to mark the occasion some unique artwork has been created and will be for sale in Cockermouth, the poet’s birthplace.

Two hundred and fifty hand-made ceramic daffodils with metal stalks are being sold in the town.

The idea came from Andrew Marshall, chairman of the town’s Chamber of Trade.

Shops and businesses have always supported Daffodil Day, which is organised by the town’s Rotary Club.

“It’s a great day in the town when lots of local groups collaborate together and traders dress their windows,” said Andrew.

“I thought it would be nice to have something commemorative to remember William Wordsworth and his 250th birthday.

“These ceramic daffodils are each individually numbered and are a nice memento of a wonderful man.”

The daffodils – made by Jackie Brittain of Hughsrigg Pottery, near Canonbie – cost £15 and can be ordered from Andrew’s shop, Strolling4Shoes, on Main Street.

Daffodil Day will be held on April 4. The evening before, there will be a special service in All Saints’ Church, where Wordsworth was christened and his father is buried (Wordsworth also went to school in All Saints’ church rooms).

Event organiser Brian Mitchelhill said: “The service will include readings and music all based around Wordsworth.”

The church will also be the base for many activities the following day. “There will be lots going on, including poetry readings by The Wordsworth Trust and music from many of the music societies in and around Cockermouth,” said Brian.

“There will be displays of children’s poetry all around the church, the result of a competition which Rotary is running.”

David Cornwall, of the town’s Georgian Society, will lead walks from Wordsworth House up to the church.

The event will be opened by Lord and Lady Egremont, supported by Antony Wordsworth, a relative of the poet who will be giving talks.

Lord and Lady Egremont will then tour the town, viewing the decorated windows.

Brian said: “We have had a very successful number of Daffodil Days. By working alongside other organisations we are hoping to raise the profile of the town and its links with Wordsworth and attract more visitors.

“With this year being the 250th anniversary, it’s appropriate that it’s bigger and better than ever.”

The first Daffodil Day was held in 2016, following the planting of 35,000 bulbs throughout the area.