THE final stitch is in place on a huge knitted memorial dedicated to the Droitwich men who died on the battle fields of the First World War.

The project, started in March by life-long knitter Ann Reed, 78, of Leigh Grove, names each of the fallen men in painstakingly crafted cross stitch, while 117 knitted poppy petals mark each life lost.

And the memorial has special significance to Mrs Reed, whose grandfather was seriously injured in the Battle of the Somme in 1916.

Mrs Reed, who was taught to knit by her grandmother, said: "It has got a whole big meaning behind it: the sacrifice of all these men. These 117 men were drawn from the local area.

"I think World War One was such a sacrifice, I hope it makes people realise."

But she has not created the memorial alone, with plenty of dedicated knitters lending their creative support to complete the project.

"It is my baby and a lot of it is my work," said Anne who often knits fun items for display in Park's Cafe.

She continued: "There is hundreds of hours of work in it and hundreds of stitches. The whole process has been quite stressful. A huge thank you to everybody who helped.

"I must admit I had a few tears when I saw it go onto the frame."

The knitted monument will be dedicated at Droitwich's Remembrance Ceremony in Victoria Square on Sunday, November 8 at 10.45am.

Peter Hawkins, chair of the Droitwich Arts Network, said: "It is a fantastic effort from a range of people, but I still insist that Ann has driven it and the Arts Network are very pleased to be associated with it.

"One thing Anne has shown us is knitting isn't just about jumpers and gloves!"

Mrs Reed, formerly the leader of the Droitwich Spa Knitting Circle, put her idea for the memorial forward earlier this year at a meeting of Droitwich Arts Network.

The project impressed a representative from Wychavon District Council and she was offered £500 in funding to complete it.

She began to knit, crochet and sew the piece together, using wool from Emms...and Sew Much More in High Street.

A team of volunteers from the town's knitting circle created the bricks, while the roll of honour was cross stitched by Ursula Brandwood, Annette Chubb, Joan Moon and Mrs Reed.

And keen crocheter Mrs Reed is not taking a break after finishing this project and has already started her next, a series of Christmas stars.

The memorial will be installed in St Andrew's Church in St Andrew's Street.