THOUSANDS of handmade poppies have been used to decorate Selby Abbey for the centenary of the end of the First World War.

Seen here from above is the cascade of knitted poppies, which have been attached to cargo netting from the roof, down the walls, and into the grounds of the Abbey.

Selby Abbey will also host a special commemorative concert on Saturday, November 10, featuring music from Carlton Main Colliery Band, local singers Michael De Costa and Lee Patterson, and several local speakers, hosted by Pittancer of Selby and comedian Tim FitzHigham, whose family has a strong connection to the First World War.

Tim’s great grandfather Arthur Simpson served with the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, and survived the Somme.

Another of his great grandfathers served with the Royal Army Medical Corps and “made it through the Somme, Ypres, Champagne and saw action as far as Palermo”, and was awarded the Military Medal, while his great-great uncle Albert Ball was awarded the VC, MC, DSO, DFC, Legion D’Honnuer and Russian Order of St George, and shot down in a dogfight with the Red Baron’s squadron.

To find out more about the event, go to selbytownhall.co.uk