A RECYCLING project with a difference has helped set the tone in Galashiels ahead of this year's centenary commemorations of Armistice.

Hundreds of plastic bottles were collected over the past year.

And they have been turned into a stunning Poppy Teardrop display which was installed on the town's War Memorial at the weekend.

The fitting tribute to the 639 men from Galashiels who made the ultimate sacrifice during the 1914-1918 conflict was created by Jenni Golder from Paper Violet.

Jenni, along with members of the Energise Galashiels Trust and other volunteers, collected and washed the bottles before they were cut into shape.

The final recycled artwork, which was completed in July, contains over 1,750 poppies.

Bill White, chairman of the Gala Remembers 2018 project, told us: “This has been a fantastic project which not only provides a unique and special memorial to those who died during the Great War, but also re-uses plastics at a time when the impact of the material on the environment is a huge issue across the globe.

"A real community effort was needed to collect all the plastic bottles required by Jenni to take the final design, which has impressed all those who have seen it so far.

"We hope it inspires people to remember their past, as well as look to the future and the positive impact we can have on the environment.”

Artist Jenni used the base and top from each bottle to make the striking poppies.

After being painted red, the designs were drilled and fixed to a cascade to create the Poppy Teardrop.

Among the many who have visited the Poppy Teardrop since its installation is local councillor Gordon Edgar.

The local authority's energy efficiency champion, said: “It is great to see Jenni Golder and her team of volunteers play their part by reusing plastic bottles which otherwise could have affected our local environment.

“For the material to then be used for such a worthwhile project is fantastic and it should encourage the reduce, reuse, recycle message we want to get across.”

Also being erected around Galashiels in the run up to the 100th anniversary of the Great War ending are commemorative banners.

Pupils at Galashiels Academy helped design the striking images which have been strung from poles around the town centre.

13-year-old Finn Murray was among the designers.

He said: "Our art class did research into Remembrance Day.

"I found images and photos which inspired me before I started work on my design.

"I was amazed that my design was chosen to go on public display.”

A total of 14 designs were chosen for display.

Mr White added: "The banners designed by the the local secondary school children were of an extremely high standard.

"They were all winners, however only 14 could be selected for the final banners displayed in the town and it was a very difficult task for the judges to select the winners.

"They should all be very proud of their work.”

Gala Remembers 2018 is a partnership of community groups and organisations working together to create a respectful commemoration for all those who served our country during WWI.