Spectacular cascades of 10,000 poppies tumbling down historic buildings in the city centre are being prepared to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.

It is hoped the effect - albeit on a smaller scale - will be similar to the extraordinary Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red installation at the Tower of London in 2014.

The ambitious project is the idea of the poppy appeal organiser of the Canterbury branch of the Royal British Legion, Andrew Heatlie who says both the Westgate Towers and the St George's clocktower are ideal structures for the displays.

Another installation is also planned in the Whitefriars arcade.

"We've not really done anything on such a big scale for the commemoration and we think this will be quite spectacular and a fitting tribute, " he said.

Mr Heatlie says the flowers are being made from the cut off bottoms of plastic bottles which are then shaped like poppies before being sprayed red.

They will be attached to netting provided by the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment whch will then be draped down the side of buildings.

But with just 800 made of the 10,000 poppies needed for the installation so far made, Mr Heatlie is appealing for help to get the job done in time for the launch of the national poppy appeal on October 26.

He and Legion volunteer Jayne Scott are doing much of the work themselves at home but an army of knitters and crocheters are working on the display in Whitefriars, whose flowers are being made of wool and felt because they will be under cover. C&H Fabrics are selling discounted red wool and felt for the project.

"What I really need is some people to help with the outdoor installation and lots more plastic bottles. But we just need the bottom four inches of a 1.5 or two litre bottles cut off, not the whole thing."

Mr Heatlie hopes schools and scouts and cadets will get involved in providing the plastic bottle bottoms and even making the poppies..

The project has the backing of the city council whose leader Cllr Simon Cook said it was a "fabulous idea".

"It couldn't better for marking the 100th anniversary of the Armistice and are keen not only helping to publicise it but also making sure we can use the buildings they want to because they are listed.

"One of our officers has been tasked with working with the Legion and if we can help make this happen, then we absolutely will.

"I have seen some of the poppies which have made so far and they look fantastic and to see them altogether in a cascade will be amazing."

Anyone who can help Mr Heatlie, can email him at jah.heatlie@gmail.com.