WINCHESTER Cathedral unveiled two new memorials as part of its Remembrance commemorations.

Some 2,018 woollen poppies spanning its railings honour the centenary of the end of the First World War.

Most of the knitters are from the Winchester area and started work earlier this year. It was kickstarted by the Women’s Section of the Royal British Legion and was helped by Winchester Women Reborn and will remain until November 19.

The second memorial is the Garden of Remembrance officially opened on Tuesday. It was blessed by Canon Brian Rees, who said: “We should remember that their light continues to shine through everything we take for granted.”

The Mayor Frank Pearson planted a cross in the garden. Chairman of the Royal British Legion branch Derek Green, and chair of the women’s section, Sue Butcher, also planted their crosses.

This was followed by The Last Post, played by young bugler Josh Doyle.

At the end of the final note, a two-minute silence was held until the Josh signalled the end with his instrument.

Those gathered around the garden then engaged in the Kohima prayer, led by Sue Butcher.

After the service, Derek Green said: “The poppy appeal has gone tremendously so far, we have been very busy.

“I think people are realising that this is the centenary and are really supporting the cause.”

Mrs Butcher added: “I’m very pleased about how all of this has turned out.”

Schools across the district have been marking remembrance. At Prince’s Mead School, Kings Worthy, children penned personal messages to lost loved ones on a hand-painted poppy memorial wall.

The school is currently extending its buildings, and staff, parents and children have worked hard to turn the wall of hoarding into a commemorative monument to all those affected by war in the past century.