THE biggest poppy ever seen in Blackburn is expected to blossom at a school next month.

Pupils at Witton Park Academy in Buncer Lane will wear coloured clothing to create the spectacle to mark Remembrance Day.

The event, organised by school bosses in partnership with Blackburn West Shared Neighbourhood Team, will see about 1,000 youngsters get into formation to create the design which, when viewed from above, will form a huge poppy.

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Ahead of the event on Tuesday, November 11, which has extra poignance this year as it is 100 years since the First World War began, pupils have been working with Blackburn Museum to identify names of local people who were involved in the First World War.

The names of the soldiers will be written on the card forming the centre of the poppy.

Following the poppy formation, a two-minute silence will be observed by pupils, teachers and organisations in attendance, including Veterans in Communities and the Royal British Legion.

Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Coun Kate Hollern said: “Remembering the First World War in ways which inspire creativity and ensure that younger generations learn about the horrors of this terrible conflict is one of the most important steps in ensuring that this dark time in our history is never forgotten.”

History teacher at Witton Park Academy Laura Elliott said: “This is a fantastic way to bring an important part of our history into the here and now, teaching young people about what happened during this terrible conflict in an interesting way.”