A moving tribute in the form of sand drawings on the D-Day landing beaches in France will be paid to soldiers killed in the Second World War.

The Fallen is a project created by Bradford duo Jamie Wardley and Andy Moss, and will see them and about 200 volunteers make 9,000 sand drawings on the beaches on Peace Day, September 21.

The pair, who specialise in sand and ice sculptures as well as sand drawings, will create stencilled drawings in the sand of the 9,000 French civilians, Allied and German soldiers who died at Arromanches on June 6 1944.

Mr Moss said: “The silhouettes will be drawn on the beach at the rate at which they fell only to be totally erased by the incoming tide as their own lives were.

“The 9,000 figure is an estimation, as no-one knows the exact number. But it is to show what can happen in the absence of peace.”

Yesterday, at Bradford builders’ merchant Uriah Woodhead, which is supplying materials, Mr Moss and a team of eager volunteers created the stencils that will be transported to France for the project.

Among the volunteers was Monica Kershaw, mum of Bradford soldier Private Christopher Kershaw who was killed in Afghanistan last year. She became involved because Uriah Woodhead is doing a plaque in memory of her son.

“It is quite like a connection,” said Ms Kershaw. “I had to come across and help. It has been absolutely brilliant.”

Volunteers are needed to join them at Arromanches on September 21. A coach, leaving on September 19 and returning on September 22, will transport volunteers. The cost is £115, which includes transport, food and camping. Visit thefallen9000.info or e-mail claire@sandinyoureye.co.uk to take part.