An artist has set up a poppy display to help villagers remember loved ones killed while serving for their country.

Liz Pottinger, 70, from Coggeshall, inscribed the names of soldiers killed in battle on 260 paper poppies, before placing each one on the front gates of St Andrew’ Church in Earls Colne.

The names included people from the village who died in both world wars, as well as other past conflicts.

Ms Pottinger said: “The idea is to remember those who were killed not only in the First World War, but also in the Second World War and places like Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I started writing the names onto the poppies about a month ago. People came to me to make a donation and then gave a name of someone from the village who has been killed.

“I just wanted to make it inclusive for everyone and show we appreciate all the soldiers who have fought for their country.”

Ms Pottinger says the display has been well received by the community and has lead to many villagers recounting tales of the Great War.

The poppies have remained in place throughout the week but will be taken down in the coming days.

Ms Pottinger added: “The plan is to put them in a box frame and have that hanging in the church.

“There has been such a positive reaction so we want people to be able to keep enjoying them.”