A COMMERATIVE poppy sculpture where people can pay their respects to the fallen has taken pride of place in a city shopping centre.

The sculpture was officially unveiled at CrownGate on Thursday, with Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Paul Denham, cutting a ribbon and placing the first poppy.

It marks the start of this year's Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and people can buy and add a message to a poppy before adding it to the display.

It is hoped the sculpture will be packed full of poppies by the time Remembrance Sunday arrives.

Cllr Denham said: "I think this is a perfect location for the sculpture, due to the amount of people both from the city and those visiting from outside the city who will see it.

"People can write their own messages, maybe to a person they know who has died in conflict. We live in this great city and great country due to the sacrifices made on our behalf.

"It is important to remember those who have sacrificed their lives for this country.

"It gives me great pleasure to place the first poppy onto the sculpture, and hopefully it will be full by Remembrance Sunday."

The sculpture is located just outside House of Fraser, in Chapel Walk, and has space for a total of 3,000 poppies.

Phil Banks, vice-chairman of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and flag bearer, said: "CrownGate has been a great supporter of the appeal over the years and this is the perfect location for it. You can't miss it.

Award-winning artist Mark Humphrey created the sculpture to honour the one million UK and Commonwealth soldiers who died in the First World War.

Former Worcestershire Regiment servicemen, Charles Harding and Brian Hewlett, were also present at the unveiling.

Poppies to place in the sculpture can be bought in Chapel Walk and Friary Walk until Saturday, November 12.

Sara Matthews, marketing manager for CrownGate, said: "It is important for people to remember everyone who gave their lives to protect us.

"The Poppy Appeal is a fantastic cause, and it shows that we will never forget those who sacrificed their lives."

The sculpture will be on display until Monday, November 14.