Castle display to feature 28,000 handmade poppies

A community project has seen more than 28,000 handmade poppies being used to create a display for Remembrance Day.

The installation at Southsea Castle in Portsmouth was knitted and crocheted by volunteers who are also preparing and attaching the red flowers.

The display was led by a local craft shop and will be unveiled at 11.30 GMT on Friday by the deputy lord mayor of Portsmouth City Council.

Local businesses and organisations have also had a hand in contributing to the effort.

Project organiser Alexsis Seed said: "Every single poppy matters, and seeing the community come together in this way has been incredibly moving."

The tribute will be open to the public and is designed to give visitors a "moment to pause, reflect, and remember" those who have served in the military.

Suzy Horton, deputy lord mayor of Portsmouth City Council, said: "I am incredibly proud to be unveiling a Sea of Poppies at Southsea Castle.

"Each one of these thousands of poppies has been lovingly made, by hand, by a local person.

"Together they're a wonderful reflection of Portsmouth's community spirit and creativity.

"It's especially fitting that this beautiful tribute should be displayed at our historic castle with its connection to Portsmouth's military past... I hope everyone who visits will take a moment to reflect and remember and also feel proud of what our wonderful community has created."