KEEN knitters are being urged to get busy with their needles and help commemorate the centenary of the end of World War One

The Hive in Worcester and Malvern Hills District Council have independently launched appeals for volunteers to help knit, crochet or sew 10,000 poppies, each one representing a Worcestershire serviceman or woman who lost their life during the war.

Crafters can make their poppies at home and take them to the Hive or their local library.

The end result will be a weeping wall of knitted poppies in the entrance of the Hive spilling over the staircase to the floor.

Hive manager Janine Downes said: “This is a display commemorating a very significant time, not just for our country, but for the world. We wanted to do something special here at the Hive, which would create something striking and make people stop and think.

“However, 10,000 knitted poppies is no small feat, so we need everyone to dust off their wool and needles, and contribute to create something special for all those who lost their lives fighting for our country.”

In Malvern, people can make knitted or crocheted poppies of any size to be sold at the town’s tourist information centre to raise funds for the British Legion.

Malvern Hills District Council is asking for as many as possible to be handed in to the council house on Avenue Road by the end of October.

Rachel Vann of the council said: “Knitting and crocheting improves mental well-being because not only is it a great way to de-stress but it is said to help combat depression and distract from chronic pain.

“We hope the Malvern community will get creative to help us mark the centenary of the end of World War One.”

To get involved, email getactive@malvernhills.gov.uk.