A string of poppies has been planted that will connect housing estates across Greenwich by a ribbon of red.

School children, community groups and residents all took part in the first wave of planting at sites in Woolwich, Abbey Wood, Shooters Hill, Greenwich and Plumstead.

Right now the ribbons are just an earthy brown but one the poppies bloom they will create scarlet ribbons connecting the various homes across the borough.

The programme is part of the Royal British Legion’s national Centenary Poppy Campaign and next on the list for planting will be spots in Eltham, Blackheath and Charlton.

Greenwich Council leader Denise Hyland said: “Creating poignant ribbons of poppies across Royal Greenwich is part of our larger programme of events planned for later this year to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War.

“Throughout spring our parks department will be planting poppies across the whole borough. The flowers should be in bloom for the start of our events and will act as a poignant reminder of those who sacrificed their lives in the conflict which changed this borough and the world in so many ways.

“I would be delighted if as many people as possible will join in the project so it truly becomes a whole borough effort to mark the historic centenary.”

Councillor Jackie Smith said: “For many people the enduring symbol of the war is the poppy which represents so much to us as a nation and serves as a touching reminder of the sacrifices made by so many during that terrible war.

“We have worked carefully to select locations for the poppies to make sure they are highly visible. I will be encouraging schools and community groups to join with our parks team to help plant the seeds so that as many people as possible can be part of our commemorations."