AN interpretive poppy trail, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, will be created in Monmouth.

The trail will run for just over a kilometre from the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers headquarters at Monmouth Castle to the site of the former Troy Station.

The station is where the regiment embarked to the battlefields of Flanders over one hundred years ago.

It will be funded using a £30,000 Armed Forces Community Covenant grant that was awarded to the town’s Walkers are Welcome organisation.

The 1.3km trail will feature ceramic plaques, decorated with the iconic poppy and describing the experiences of the Royal Mons during the First World War, as well as an art installation near the former railway station.

The project was founded to ensure the residents and visitors to the town will recognise and remember the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces Community.

It was launched in the regimental headquarters at an event attended by representatives of the regiment, Monmouth Town Council, Monmouthshire council and Monmouth Walkers are Welcome.

David Evans, from graphic design agency Platform One, explained that local tradesman and supplies will be used where possible to develop the trail, while regimental personnel will be involved in putting the plaques and art installation, carrying out preparation work using skills normally employed while training and on active duty.

Brian Ramsey, chairman of Monmouth Walkers Are Welcome, added: “We were delighted to hear that our bid was successful. We are looking forward to working with the many different community groups and the Royal Mons to bring this project to completion.”

Monmouthshire’s Chairman and Armed Forces Champion, councillor John Prosser said: “This is a wonderful project with the potential to involve the whole community, young and old. It will relate the story of the regiment and its association with the town so that generations to come will recognise the sacrifices made by our armed forces.”