Shoppers and town centre workers are being encouraged to add their own poppy to a new commemorative First World War mural in King's Lynn.

West Norfolk Mayor Barry Ayres placed the first poppy in the display in the town's Vancouver Quarter.

The shopping centre worked with the Royal British Legion and College of West Anglia to create a mural depicting a battlefield at dusk.

Vancouver Quarter manager Abbie Panks said: 'We were really keen to do something to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War because it is so important the memory of those who fought and died for our freedom continues to live on and is passed on from generation to generations.

'We came up with the mural idea and it grew from there. There are thousands of poppies available to stick on the mural and it would be wonderful if we are able to completely cover it before August 4.'

College of West Anglia photography student Lewis Bond designed the mural, under the guidance of photography course director Emily Paxton.

The 21 year old, who lives in Downham Market, said he was delighted to see his work on display and thrilled by the comments he received from members of the Royal British Legion. 'Everyone at the unveiling told me how brilliant it looked and how much they think the public will enjoy the interactive side of the piece,' he said.

'Both the Mayor and Mayoress said the mural gets the message across as to what the poppies and the anniversary are all about.

'It's so important for projects like this to happen because it is our responsibility to educate the next generation of those we have lost and to make sure that every single life taken will never be forgotten.'