A THURROCK pub has been bedecked with poppies to mark the start of the build-up to this year's remembrance commemorations.

Members of the Grays-based Needles and Chat group were at the Wharf on Wharf Road South in the town this morning (Sunday, 24 October) knitting woollen poppies and decorating the exterior of the pub.

And they have left poppies for sale for a donation at the pub, which is also hosting a raffle for a specially knitted commemorative blanket.

Raffle tickets are also on sale at Grays Community House on Tuesday evenings between 7 and 9pm.

Susan Burns from Needles and Chat says the group will also be 'yarn bombing' other venues in the area, including tomorrow at the ESL hair salon on London Road.

You can learn more about Needles and Chat via this link.