THOUSANDS of poppies are cascading from the tower of Keighley Shared Church in commemoration of people gave their lives during the First World War.

Church members have teamed up with community groups across Keighley to make more than 200 poppies for the display.

Participants included knit and natter groups, the Royal British Legion, Keighley Veterans, Age UK Keighley Drop In, The Memory Project, St Andrew’s Primary School and Kildwick Church.

The project was spearheaded by the new curate, Rev Natasha Thomas, who said she was both amazed and thrilled by the willingness of groups to contribute.

She said: “It really has been a great way of bringing people together. As such we have a few different colours as part of our display, including purple ones in remembrance of the animals that played a significant role.

“The poppies are all attached to bandages, which symbolises the recognition that war and the memory of war still hurts and that as a church we are there to offer comfort and support.”

The Rev Thomas said that although 2018 marked the centenary of the 1918 Armistice and the end of the First World War, the church was also remembering those caught up in the many wars and conflicts since.

The Rev Mike Cansdale, the rector of Keighley, said: “Although our world is still disfigured by pain and suffering, an important aspect of Remembrance each year is our common commitment to make a positive difference and strive for peace and reconciliation – in our communities, our country and in our world.

“We remember those who made such a sacrifice for our freedom and we seek to follow their example of selfless love.”

Andy Spence, chairman of Keighley Veteran’s Group, said it was wonderful that Keighley Shared Church was taking the matter so seriously.

The Civic Remembrance Service will be at 10am on Sunday, followed by the laying of wreaths with two-minute silence at 11am in Town Hall Square.

A short service will be held on Thursday, November 8 at the Garden of Remembrance at 11am, processing to the poppies at the church tower before the Association Standard for the Old 25 lines Contemptibles is returned to the church. All people are welcome to join in the event.