RED poppies will be planted around the Basildon sign as part of ambitious plans to commemorate the First World War.

Children from Laindon Park Primary School, in Church Hill, Laindon, and Noak Bridge Primary School, in Coppice Lane, Noak Bridge, are expected to help plant the seeds early next month.

The idea is the brainwave of Ken Porter, chairman of Basildon Heritage Group, which is organising a series of events over the next four years to mark 100 years since the war.

Mr Porter said: "I was driving past the sign, and like a lot of people I find it quite impressive, but I thought to myself we are missing a trick here.

"I contacted the council about my ideas and was absolutely chuffed when they said they thought it was great. They've already started preparing the ground.

"I'm so pleased with the response.

"It's hard to keep coming up with new ideas for out commemoration project, but just think how many people pass that sign and are going to see those poppies. It's such a simple idea."

The idea for the sign, close to the Noak Bridge junction along the A127, was signed off by the Civil Military Partnership Board.

The poppies are expected to be fully grown by spring.

Terri Sargent, councillor responsible for environment and community, said: "It's the right time of the year to plant poppies, and also ties in with Remembrance Day.

"It's such a brilliant idea, and we're fully supportive.

"Everyone will be involved in the project, from young to old. It's such a good opportunity for us to education children in Basildon about the First World War."

The Basildon Heritage Group, based at Wat Tyler Country Park, in Pitsea, has teamed up with the borough's twin towns, Heiligenhaus in Germany and Meaux in France, as part of the Forget Never commemoration project.

The group has already organised a match at Wickford Cricket Club to remember players who lost their lives in the First World War, a special concert a St Martin’s Church, in Basildon town centre, and is putting together an exhibition of memorabilia.