An “overwhelming” display of community spirit has seen a display of more than 2,000 poppies created in Romford.

In an attempt to involve local residents, Joanne Sheppard of St Edward’s Church wanted to do “something special for Remembrance Sunday” but had no idea of the magnitude of involvement she would be greeted by.

After posting on social media inviting people to crochet poppies for a display at the church, Joanne "thought we’d get just a few poppies”.

However, she ended up receiving more than 2,000 for the Market Place church, which she described as "completely overwhelming”.

More than 2,000 poppies have gone on displayMore than 2,000 poppies have gone on display (Image: Sandra Rowse)

“I have genuinely never seen anything to that level of community”, Joanne said. “People really came together to support the church.”

St Edward’s ran “chat and sew sessions” which allowed members of Romford’s community to gather at the church and crochet poppies whilst socialising.

“We ran a series of them so people could drop in and out. People would come in sometimes and tell their stories relating to lost family members which was amazing.

Pete Quinn, Angela Butt, Jo Sheppard, Paul Collins and the Royal Naval Association's Mike Webb raise the poppy display outside the churchPete Quinn, Angela Butt, Jo Sheppard, Paul Collins and the Royal Naval Association's Mike Webb raise the poppy display outside the church (Image: Sandra Rowse)

“Equally people would just stop and have a cup of tea and a chat and help out if they could”.

"We saw the same people come in week after week in some instances."

“Occasionally people we didn’t even know would turn up to the church.

Mike Webb from the Royal Naval AssociationMike Webb from the Royal Naval Association (Image: Sandra Rowse)

"They had sat in their front rooms knitting away and would turn up saying ‘here’s some poppies!’”

Joanne was delighted with the contribution of the RM1 Women’s Institute in particular who produced more than 500 of the poppies.

The poppy display was raised on the church at 11am on November 1The poppy display was raised on the church at 11am on November 1 (Image: Sandra Rowse)

“In all my years of living in Romford I have never seen anything like it”, Joanne claimed. “It was a real community project, and you don’t get that very often."

A poppy wreath inside the churchA poppy wreath inside the church (Image: Sandra Rowse)

She told the Recorder that the original intention was for a small display inside the church, but now there are four displays including a large one snaking up the bell tower.

The displays will be up until November 16 for anyone wanting to view it.