World Record Breakers

Pictured above: The poppy that has been ‘planted’ in history for days to come.

By Edward James, Meols Cop Secondary School, Southport

School children from across Sefton and Merseyside have set a new world record to commemorate the start of WW1.

Approximately 5,821 pupils from over 47 schools were on Southport beach on July 4 to form a huge human poppy.

The huge group formed the famous Poppy logo on Southport beach and the amazing feat is now being verified with Guinness as a new world record.

The event was organised by Sefton Council and partners 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 was truly amazing. Once in formation, the poppy looked spectacular and the event marks the start of Sefton’s commemorations to mark the onset of WW1.”

For entertainment, there was music, singing, exercises and marching drills hosted by Neil Newton.

Mandy Sutton, interim area manager for The Royal British Legion in Merseyside, said: “We are thrilled the team chose to create a giant human poppy, especially in this poignant year as the nation commemorates the centenary of WW1.”

Amongst some of the guests included the Mayor of Sefton and a number of Sefton residents aged 96 or older, veterans of WW1.

Angela White, Sefton CVS chief executive, said: “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.”