WW2 anniversary marked by poppy display at pier

A total of 13,000 poppies have been attached to a wall area near Bognor Regis pier

Organisers of an event held in Bognor Regis to mark the 80th anniversary of the ending of World War Two have said they have been "overwhelmed" by the public's response.

A programme of events are taking place in the town on Saturday, including a parade from the Cenotaph to the pier and a presentation of veteran badges.

Sarah Boote-Cook, the chair of Armed Forces Day in Bognor Regis, said the 80th anniversary made the day "particularly poignant".

"We hold Armed Forces Day every year to celebrate service men and women from the past, present and future. We need our service men and women and always will," she said.

Ahead of this year's event, Ms Boote-Cook put the call out for 6,000 poppies to go on display at the pier.

She said she was taken by surprise when 13,000 handknitted and crocheted poppies were sent in.

"I was only expecting 4,000 poppies. I had to hire a garage to contain them," Ms Boote-Cook said.

Another 260 poppies, one to honour each person from the town who died in WW2, also feature in the display.

Ms Boote-Cook said that, weather permitting, the display was remain up until 30 June.

The programme of events get under way at 10:00 BST.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.