VOLUNTEERS of the Green Towns Shanklin group got their knitting needles working overtime to create a stunning poppy inspired welcome for those paying their respects at the town's cenotaph.

The group of local ladies, led by Tina Homden, produced a beautiful display of knitted poppies — the symbol of Remembrance — which adorned the gates to Shanklin's war memorial in the Old Village.

Leading the knitting group was former Shanklin councillor, Esther Knight, who produced a pair of giant poppies, surrounded by smaller ones.

A mystery poppy maker donated a carrier bag full of beautifully crocheted poppies, which formed part of the gate display.

It is the fourth year a knitted poppy display has appeared on the memorial gates.

Esther said: "I spent about 24 man hours knitting the big poppies, which I designed myself, without a pattern. I was really pleased with the effect and we received a lot of lovely comments about it."

Terry Carpenter, another volunteer, keeps the war memorial and its garden looking resplendent all year round.  

Green Towns Shanklin have made the town a more welcoming place thanks to its work on projects throughout the year, which include creating beautiful planters at Shanklin Railway Station and the town's new library.