School children from across Sefton, Merseyside, have set a new world record by making the largest human poppy.
A total of 5,821 (still to be confirmed by the Guinness World Records) pupils from more than 47 schools formed the flower to mark 100 years since the start of the First World War.
The feat beats Hampshire’s record set two months ago which saw 2,250 people form a commemorative poppy.
The event in Sefton was organised by the Council in partnership with Sefton CVS and The Royal British Legion and watched by thousands of residents and visitors on Southport seafront.
The Leader of Sefton Council, Cllr Peter Dowd, described watching the world record being set on Southport beac as “truly amazing”.
“Once in formation, the poppy looked spectacular and the hugely successful event marks the start of Sefton’s commemorations to mark the onset of World War One.
“Thanks must go to everyone involved in the World Record from the children in the poppy to all the staff at Sefton Council and our partners to make this happen. It has certainly put Sefton on the map”.
Mandy Sutton, Interim Area Manager for The Royal British Legion in Merseyside, expressed her gratitude for the “fantastic effort” which went into organising and carrying out the event.
“We are thrilled the team chose to create a giant human poppy, especially in this poignant year as the nation commemorates the centenary of the First World War.
“The Legion is also grateful to the generosity of local people and school children across Sefton who supported this event and gave donations to the Legion – the money raised will help us to continue providing help and advice to serving personnel and veterans of all conflicts”.
Source: Royal British Legion
Images courtesy of the Royal British Legion
Posted by: Daniel Barry, Centenary News