GREEN-fingered schoolchildren took up their trowels to help plant hundreds of poppies commemorating the start of the First World War.

The youngsters from Alton Park Junior School help Tendring Council gardeners plant 480 poppy plants in a Clacton seafront garden.

Each year the council gardeners arrange more than 17,000 plants in the seafront flower beds.

This year the poppies were included to create a commemorative display to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War.

Alton Park pupils are currently studying the Second World War and took part as part of their project.

Nick Turner, council environment boss, said: “Our seafront gardens are a major attraction for both residents and visitors alike and I am delighted to see the children from Alton Park School going along to get involved in the planting.

“I am pleased to hear that they are studying world conflict and finding out what sacrifices past generations have made for us all to be able to live the life we do today.”