Tears of victory poppy display created around the feet of Seaham's Tommy statue

The final stones are laid as part of the installation at the foot of Seaham's Tommy artwork on the Terrace Green.

Hundreds of knitted poppies have been added to the Tommy soldier statue as the town pays tribute to the fallen for the 100th anniversary since the end of the First World War.

The addition joins this year's pebble display at the foot of the Seaham artwork and shows crocheted flowers falling from the face of the sculpture, which was created by South Hetton artist Ray Lonsdale to symbolise a serviceman in the moment peace is called in the conflict.

The installation has been put in place by the Seaham Remember Them Fund, which works to protect and recognise all the town's war memorials, with stones painted by East Durham Trust, Ropery Walk, Murton Junior Club, the Seaham's Air Cadets and individuals.

Dave McKenna, of the Seaham Remember Them Fund, and a team of helpers began to lay the pebbles earlier today.

The 309 knitted poppies were made by Beverley Jobey, 38, who is from Seaham and now lives in Hendon, and her partner Lee Dickeson, 27, over the last three months, with the flowers attached using magnets.

Beverley has created poppy broaches to sell on behalf of the Royal British Legion in past years, with one of her flowers included in the time capsule which is buried beneath the artwork when it was given a permanent base in 2015, a year after it first went on show.

She said: "I got in touch because this year I wanted to help commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War.

"It's been a big effort.

"Now it's in place, it looks amazing."

Dave McKenna, of the Seaham Remember Them Fund, served as a Colour Sergeant in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

He said: "This year has been a real community participation effort and we've had lots of help from people who have painted pebbles.

"We have a theme each year and this year's is tears of victory, so we're remembering the centenary, but also remembering those lost on both sides.

"We hope this highlights the work of the Poppy Appeal and the Royal British Legion, which supports our veterans and has done for almost 100 years, and helps them as they return to Civvy Street."

Julie Griffiths and Tracey Slater, who run Murton Junior Club, took a group from the 30 children who helped paint pebbles and they played a part in laying down the stones earlier today.

"They've been interested in the reason why we've been doing it and asking questions about it all," Julie said.

"They know all about Tommy, so that's helped them as well."

Tracey added: "It's been a real honour to be asked to help out.

"We've also been involved in the William McNally VC medal ceremony, so that's also helped the kids learn."

Last weekend, Murton residents gathered to unveil a new memorial to Sergeant McNally, who was given the Victoria Cross for his bravery during the First World War.

Seaham's poppy will remain in place for a fortnight, after which Dave plans to put out an announcement inviting people to collect a pebble to keep as a reminder of the work of the Royal British Legion.

The piece was finished ahead of the official unveiling of the Seaham Field of Remembrance, a separate project, which recognises all men and women from the town lost in conflict or as part of the war effort and in preparation for the town's Remembrance Day parade next Sunday at 11am.