MILLIONS of poppy seeds have been sown by schoolchildren to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

The youngsters joined the mayor and mayoress of Harwich and councillors for the scattering of the poppies on the slopes beneath the Minesweeper Memorial on Tuesday.

Harwich Town Council purchased nine million poppy seeds to create the floral tribute and the area of land was prepared for the sowing of the seeds by Tendring Council.

The Minesweepers Memorial in Dovercourt was put up in 1919 and it is intended that the sea of poppies on the cliff slopes beneath it will create an annual reminder and living memorial to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.