Plea to help build Coventry Blitz anniversary site

The artist has made previous cardboard structures, like this in Newcastle

Volunteers are needed to help build a 20m (65.6ft) cardboard structure to mark the 85th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz in World War Two.

Thousands of pieces will make up the temporary landmark, which was inspired by the ruins of the city's cathedral after a 12-hour raid by German bombers on 14 November 1940 - 550 people were killed.

The structure will be displayed in Broadgate in the city centre and built through the day on Saturday 15 November before being taken down the next day.

The installation, created by artist Olivier Grossetête, will "rise as a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and the extraordinary strength found in unity", said Coventry City Council.

Free workshops on the project will be held daily from Monday November 10 to the Saturday, and those taking part will be invited to help construct the artwork. Anyone interested has been asked to contact the city council.

Volunteers from families to individuals, schools and community groups are welcome to join in. The workshop sessions will be held at Drapers' Hall in Bayley Lane and last for about 3.5 hours. They will be held from 09:30 to 13:00 GMT, 12:00 to 15:30 and 17:30 to 21:00.

Coventry Cathedral Canon for Worship and Welcome, Rev Nitano Muller, said they were still looking for volunteers.

"It's going to be a phenomenal coming together of community, of people, young people, older people, civic, religious and the like to create this megastructure," he said.

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Those who visit the temporary structure over the weekend can talk to the artist and creators of the piece, which will remain in Broadgate until 15:00 on Sunday 16 November.

Those visiting on Sunday are invited to help in the deconstruction, "reflecting the sudden and unexpected loss of the old Cathedral during the night of 14 November 1940", the council stated.

A vigil and civic service are planned for 14 November to remember those killed in the raid during the war.