POPPIES could be blooming across Watchet as part of the town's commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War One. Local residents will be offered free packets of seeds to plant the iconic flower which is a symbol of the conflict worldwide. Watchet Town Council this week agreed to fund the initiative up to a maximum of £100, with the packets of seeds limited to one per household. The idea originated with the Royal British Legion, whose Centenary Poppy Campaign is being rolled out nationally and aims to cover the UK with poppies in memory of those who lost their lives. The RBL has struck a deal with national retailer B&Q, which is also offering seeds in return for a £1 donation towards the charity's work. In addition to encouraging people to scatter the seeds in their gardens, councillors in Watchet hope the poppies will bloom in several public areas in the town, including on the bank of the Goviers Lane railway crossing, with the agreement of the West Somerset Railway. Cllr Janet Tapp told the council's annual meeting on Monday that she thought it was a great idea. Land at the three main entrances to the town will remain unstrimmed for around six weeks to allow the poppies to flourish. And it is hoped the bank at the entrance to the cemetery will also become a sea of red. Councillors are hoping the poppies will be in bloom in time for the official unveiling and commemoration of Watchet's new war memorial in June.