Parcels of knitted and hand-made textile poppies are piling in from thousands of fibre fans all over the UK and abroad to contribute to a massive commemorative installation at Wonderwool Wales on April 28 and 29.

So far, 40,038 poppies have been received and they will all be strung together into 'A Curtain of Poppies' and put on display for The Royal British Legion at the annual showcase of Welsh wool and natural fibres, at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells.

The commemorative project encourages today’s community of knitters to recreate the united determination of the women at home during World War 1, who “did their bit” to support the troops overseas by knitting gloves, scarves, balaclavas and socks.

The current poppy count of 40,038 is being added to all the time and organisers are continuing to accept poppies until the end of March. Poppies are being sent in from all over the UK as well as Spain, Alaska and other parts of the US.

The organisers are mother and daughter Olwen and Jane Veevers who are delighted at the way the project has caught the imagination of so many schools, knitting groups, craft groups and individuals.

Jane said: “A big thank you to everyone who has supported this project. It would be wonderful if as many of you as possible could come along to the show to see the result of your efforts.”

After its launch at Wonderwool Wales, 'A Curtain of Poppies' will become a travelling exhibition. It will be at Powys County Council County Hall during May and the National Wool Museum of Wales from May 26 until the end of June. It will then be on display at the Gower Heritage Centre during July and August, the Newtown Textile Museum during September and in 2019 the exhibition has been offered a permanent home at the Gower Heritage Centre.