Poppies from the Cleator Moor’s Somme memorial event will be on display until Sunday after organisers praised the community spirit of the town.

There were 800 knitted and crocheted poppies, which were donated by members of the public, Montreal School, Copeland Occupational and Social Centre and Cleator Women’s Institute, used to decorate the square to mark the occasion.

Some poppies will be sent to Carlisle Cathedral as part of a WI project and the remaining poppies will be donated to the Royal British Legion.

The event was organised by Cleator Moor town council and supported by the Town Team, Cleator Women’s Institute, Phoenix Youth Project, St Mary’s and St John’s churches as will as the Cleator Moor Methodist Church.

Town council clerk, Helen Gilmour, said the turnout for the event was good despite heavy rain - which meant the planned outdoor concert from Cleator Moor Brass was moved indoors to protect the instruments and sheet music.

She added: “We felt it was important to do something to mark the event because without these people, we wouldn’t have the freedoms that we do today.”

Town councillor, Charles Moores, said the event was a success with a great turnout, especially considering the short amount of time the council had to pull it all together.

It featured a presentation of stories about some of those who survived the Somme, from Cleator Moor Chamber of Trade chairman Dave Farrell. A list of 53 soldiers linked to the Cleator Moor area who died during the Somme was then read out.

Members of the public wishing to purchase one of the poppies should contact the town council office on 01946 810242. Any donations received will be sent to the RBL.