A SPECTACULAR double cascade of 12,000 handmade poppies is nearing completion for Haslemere’s Great War Centenary Project in partnership with the Royal British Legion.

Students of eight schools – Camelsdale and Grayswood primaries, Shottermill infant and junior, St Bartholomew’s primary, St Edmund’s, The Royal and Woolmer Hill – made the poppies that teams of volunteers are wiring to the netting, which will be hung from the top of St Christopher’s church tower until Armistice Day.

Teams of helpers at the church have been busy over the last three weeks fixing the poppies in their final positions and the first cascade of 6,000 poppies is now complete.

Committee chairman Ken Griffiths said: “I’d like to thank all the people of Haslemere who have helped.

“More than 2,000 pupils made the poppies, and guides, cubs, air cadets, other youth organisations and residents are wiring them to the netting.

“This project is involving all generations. Pupils making poppies have signed their names on them and dedicated them to members of their families who were among the fallen.

“The new flagpole with restored cross and the flag of St George will go up on April 9 and the poppies will go up after that.

“On March 24 we are sowing 2,000 poppy seeds into trays. The seedlings will be planted on St Christopher’s Green when they are big enough. If anyone has space in an unheated greenhouse for a tray or two and would like to nurture them, can they email me

•If you can help get in touch with [email protected]