Paying tribute to South Tyneside's fallen heroes

The Mayor, Councillor Olive Punchion and Mayoress, Mrs Mary French join the Knit and Natter group as they put the finishing touches to their poppy displays.

A stunning display of handmade poppies has been unveiled in South Shields town centre ahead of Armistice Day tomorrow and Remembrance Sunday.

The commemorative tribute, made up of more than 5,000 woollen poppies, has been mounted around the pulpit, fencing and war memorial at St Hilda’s Church, in South Shields Market Place, in support of the Royal British Legion’s poppy Appeal.

A matching display featuring almost 400 flowers has also been placed in The Word.

The display was created by the 30-strong knit and and Natter group who started the create the poppies in January.

Knitting group member Joy Parker led the project.

She said: “Members of the group have been absolutely fantastic. They really took the project to their heart and worked hard to get it finished.

“The response to it has gone well beyond our expectations. We were delighted with how it took off, but it would not have happened without all our members pulling together.”

She added: “We are extremely grateful to all those members of the public who knitted their own poppies and donated them to our cause.

“We would also like to thank Knit N Purl wool shop for their support with our project.”

The Mayor of South Tyneside, Coun Olive Punchion, said: “The poppies look amazing adorning the grounds of St Hilda’s and inside The Word.

“They are a wonderful mark of remembrance ahead of events taking place across South Tyneside this weekend and a fitting tribute to our Armed Forces community and all those who sacrificed so much for their country.”