A HUGE ‘poppy’ made up of 122 red and black flowers was created to remember the fallen from the First World War.

The flower was made using red cyclamens and black violas at Denton Community Primary School, near Newhaven.

Caitlin Yapp, headteacher, said the poppy represented the school’s compassion for those who gave their lives in The Great War.

Three members of the Royal British Legion joined more than 100 parents and the 239 pupils for a special assembly.

The assembly featured special readings including In Flanders Fields and the Year 5 and Year 6 children singing Keep the Home Fires Burning.

Ms Yapp said: “This has been an opportunity for the children to investigate and understand a significant event in our history, and develop a range of skills.

“They have enjoyed a variety of cross-curricular activities that have helped them to interpret the past.

“Families have been keen to share their memories with the school and the children, too.”

The pupils have been studying War Horse, the Michael Morpurgo novel about the young farm horse Joey, to get an insight into the realities of war.

The book was later made into a film.

Callum, a six-year-old pupil, said: “We can remember the soldiers by our poppy.”

And Sam, a nine-year-old at the school, said: “War Horse is a memorable story because it’s written from the viewpoint of the horse.”

Maureen Hood, the school crossing patrol officer and a member of the cleaning staff, led the design of the poppy, and Paradise Park Garden Centre in Newhaven donated the flowers.