School children from across Sefton have set a new World Record to commemorate the start of the First World War.
To mark Sefton’s First World War commemorations, a total of 5,821 pupils from more than 47 schools were on Southport beach to form a huge human poppy. The group formed the famous Poppy logo on Southport beach wearing red and black and green t-shirts. Pupils had to stand in the formation for more than 15 minutes and the feat is now being verified with Guinness as a new World Record.
The event was organised by Sefton Council in partnership with Sefton CVS and the Royal British Legion, and watched by thousands of residents and visitors on Southport seafront.
Leader of Sefton Council, Cllr Peter Dowd, was at the event. He said: “To watch the World Record being set on Southport beach was truly amazing.
“Once in formation, the poppy looked spectacular and the hugely successful event marks the start of Sefton’s commemorations to mark the onset of the First World War.
“Thanks must go to everyone involved in the World Record from the children in the poppy to all the staff at Sefton Council and our partners to make this happen. It has certainly put Sefton on the map.”
Schools who took part in the event were supported by Merseytravel who put on additional trains to Southport and all schools who took part made contributions to the Royal British Legion. Throughout the day pupils were entertained with music, singing, physical exercises and marching drills hosted by compere Neil Newton.
Mandy Sutton, Interim Area Manager for The Royal British Legion in Merseyside, said: “Congratulations to Sefton Council for this fantastic effort and we cannot wait to hear the official results that they’ve broken the world record.
“We are thrilled the team chose to create a giant human poppy, especially in this poignant year as the nation commemorates the centenary of the First World War.
“The Legion is also grateful to the generosity of local people and school children across Sefton who supported this event and gave donations to the Legion – the money raised will help us to continue providing help and advice to serving personnel and veterans of all conflicts.”
Guests included Dame Lorna Muirhead, Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside, the Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Kevin Cluskey, Ian Meadows, High Sherriff of Merseyside, and a number of Sefton residents.
Angela White, Sefton CVS Chief Executive, said: “It has been an enormous privilege to have worked in partnership and be part of this event today.
“To see so many children pay their tribute to Sefton residents, who went to the front and never came home, by creating the Flanders poppy on the beach was very moving. It provides a lasting image of future hope and continuing remembrance.”
