Members of a north Birmingham community have broken the world record for the number of flower bulbs planted at once, in tribute to local people who gave their lives in the First World War.

850 residents of Stockland Green, Birmingham, planted the bulbs as a lasting memorial to the fallen at a Remembrance event held in Brookvale Park over the weekend.

Each resident had to plant five narcissi bulbs within an hour to beat the previous world record for 750 people planting simultaneously. The task was verified by a representative from the Guinness Book of Records.

National green services provider Glendale, which manages Brookvale Park, organised the event in partnership with the local police, Birmingham City Council, Interserve and the Friends of Brookvale Park group.

Glendale supplied the bulbs and the company’s specialists prepared the ground by removing a strip of more than 300 metres of turf from the park, which runs parallel to George Road.

The area was seeded with wildflowers to provide blooms during the summer months, and Glendale rotovated the land to ensure it was in the best condition for the bulbs to thrive.

Tod Hale, contract manager at Glendale, said: “The event was a wonderful yet poignant way to bring a community together and commemorate the First World War. It was humbling to see the sense of pride among those who took part, many of whom were planting bulbs with a relative or friend in mind.

“We were proud to be part of this once in a lifetime event and create a lasting tribute which will be enjoyed by generations.”

The event was organised to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.