The Dartford branch of a men’s friendship group scattered poppy seeds around Ebbsfleet station to mark the First World War centenary.

Members of Men’s Shed gathered on June 11 to distribute half a million seeds which are set to flower in time for the 100th anniversary of the start of the Great War in August.

The Centenary Poppy campaign, aimed at carpeting the country in red in time for the milestone, was hatched down the road at the Greenhithe and Swanscombe branch of the Royal British Legion.

The Men’s Shed movement began in Australia and is aimed at helping older men make new friends and find fulfilment by doing practical tasks together.

Dartford branch chairman Darren Riley said: "Ebbsfleet has the rail link to northern France and it's striking it's now on our doorstep almost.

"Most of us are ex services so the First World War anniversary is important to us.

"I have lost former colleagues through warfare and every poppy we sow represents a life."