THIS year is the centenary of the end of World War One and the Church at Dowland (near Winkleigh) will host a floral tribute with a 12-metre long flower garland and other floral arrangements using only red flowers to remember the soldiers from the village who did not return.

The garland is unique as it will be made from more than 1,500 flowers, all of which have been hand-made by local people, of all ages.

Hundreds of people have been making red flowers from literally anything.... fabric, clay, paper, wool, plastic etc.

The children from the local primary schools have made flowers alongside many local people from villages across Mid Devon.

The idea was that everyone aged three to 93 could be involved.

Sue Dunn, from Dowland explained: "The garland will encircle pews containing silhouette figures from the ‘There but not There’ project, representing how we will continue to remember the young people from our village who lived and died over a century ago.

"The idea is that all generations have worked together to create a powerful symbol of remembrance as the garland surrounds our soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

"As the flowers are made on an individual basis, they will all be different, yet collectively they will create a powerful lasting image."

Sue added: "At the event we would love people to share their family stories and meet the Veterans.

"We have the bagpipes and information from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Admission is free and 100 per cent of the donations will go to the charity ’Remembered’, which supports those suffering the effects of war today."

The event will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 26, 27 and 28 and run from 10.30am to 7pm each day.