IT IS the poignant sculpture that most in Romsey will pass on their daily commutes.

The World War One Centenary Poppy Memorial, created by sculptor Caroline Dear, was officially unveiled at a ceremony yesterday outside the town's railway station.

More than 50 residents turned out to reflect on the evils of war.

Mrs Dear, from Rownhams, carved the design as a gift for the Romsey British Legion after they had purchased the stone for £400.

Great Western Railway sponsored the installation of the artwork, and the landscaping around it, and volunteers of the Three Rivers Community Rail Project have also helped with the project.

Hampshire chairman of the British Legion, Brigadier David Harrison, unveiled the monument at a service conducted by Romsey vicar, Reverend Canon Tim Sledge.

Nick Farthing, chairman of the Three Rivers Community Rail Partnership also attend along with Romsey School pupils who read excerpts from the diaries of two soldiers from the area who gave their lives in the war.

Following the ceremony Mrs Dear, of Rownhams, said she was humbled by the number of people who attended the ceremony.

"It was very moving," she admitted.

"I am glad that it is now on display, for everyone to see.

"Thank you to everyone that turned out and also to those who read the very moving poems and stories."

"I also want to thank Roger Savage, manager of Choice Plants, who was good enough to keep the sculpture in storage for many months,"

The 5ft 6ins high memorial is carved from Welsh slate with a design featuring ten poppies for each decade that has passed since the First World War.

Mrs Dear, 71, who also created a sculpture for the Queen's 90th birthday which was shown at the Chelsea Flower Show, said before the event: "My idea for the stone was a way of drawing the significance of poppies and the centenary together. The design evolved as I was carving it.

"It's in a place where everyone can see it and we've already had lots of people passing it since it has been installed and giving feedback.

"Hopefully it will make people think about what happened during the war and the sacrifices made."

Margaret Green, retired of Lordswood, said: "I am a friend of Caroline's [the sculptor] and I am so happy that people get to see the memorial now. I have seen it from the very beginning and it looks lovely on the mound."

Jackie Humphries, retired of Romsey, said: "It was a very moving ceremony and it was lovely to see so many people turn out for it. The sculpture itself is very poignant."

Dick Hewett, of the Friends of Romsey Signal Box, said: "I think it is a great design and says exactly what it needs to say, without being too over-the-top."