A poignant installation of poppy heads is falling from the top of the 11th century Dudley Castle where they will remain in place for the majority of the month.

The temporary art installation, which can be seen for miles around, contains more than 350 poppies made from recycled plastic, to remember fallen war heroes. It will now be on show until the end of November.

The memorial has been organised by local community group, Dudley Remembers and this year it is also dedicated to the late Queen Elizabeth II as its patron of the Royal British Legion. Zoo Director Derek Grove, said:

“We trialled the installation for the first-time last November and it was very well received by members of the public as it can be seen for miles around.

“We’re pleased to be involved again this year alongside local community group, Dudley Remembers, and pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed.”

Schools, community groups and faith groups were asked to make their own poppies and they will be hung around hedgerows and trees at Coronation Gardens, surrounding the Cenotaph. Rose Cook-Monk, poppy organiser for Dudley town centre, added:

“We will start that on November 7th so it is all in place for Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday. The poppy walk is raising awareness with the younger generation about what the poppies stand for.

"We asked schools, community groups and faith groups to make their own poppies and we will hang them around the hedgerows and trees around the Cenotaph."