The work of a Branthwaite blacksmith, artist and architect will be showcased as part of an exhibition to commemorate the Battle of the Somme.

Florence Arts Centre in Egremont will feature new work by Alan Dawson, ahead of the international commemoration.

The International Gathering of Blacksmiths and Farriers will meet in the Belgian city of Ypres in September to create a cenotaph in memory of all those who suffered as a result of the First World War, in which the Battle of the Somme became one of the bloodiest battles in human history.

The completed cenotaph will be permanently sited alongside the German Military Cemetery at Langemark Poelkepella as a symbol of reconciliation and peace.

Blacksmiths and farriers from countries all over the world are collaborating in the creation of this cenotaph as a lasting memorial to all those who suffered and were damaged by the conflict.

The sculpture will include 2016 handmade steel poppies, and during July Mr Dawson, who is taking part in the project, will be showing some of his own design sketches and drawings, alongside some of his steel poppies at Florence Arts Centre.

The project in Ypres in September also includes an international exhibition of ironwork and Mr Dawson has been fortunate to have a piece of work selected for this.

The sculpture is called Transition – a spherical steel cage containing the rocks found in West Cumbria that were responsible for it being the centre of the steelmaking process. They are coal, limestone and iron ore.

Mr Dawson’s exhibition at Florence Arts Centre will run from from July 9 to August 7.

An open day and “meet the artist” session will take place on Sunday, July 17.