A dress that was the centrepiece of a charity shop window display is set to be auctioned off this weekend to raise money for The Royal British Legion.

Kim West, co-manager of Strood Community Project’s shop, created the paper gown for Remembrance Day but it was just held together by pins.

But when photos went viral on the internet people came forward asking to buy it.

As well as the dress, the display featured two soldiers’ silhouettes, three large paper poppies, and a Union Jack flag. Photos were shared on several veteran and military websites, with one post being viewed more than 13,000 times, and reached as far afield as the USA and Australia.

Kim said: “It’s been really surprising but really positive. The only inspiration was that we wanted to pay our respects to the local veterans.”

Local designer, Ashley Janney, has now created the real thing which is on sale on ebay where it is currently priced at £299. The woollen poppies were crocheted by customer Sarah Robinson.

Photos of the finished gown, worn by Natalie Smith, an intensive care nurse at Medway Maritime Hospital, were taken by UCA photography students Chloe Hilton and Bradley Lowe.

The auction will end tomorrow night (Saturday) coinciding with a fundraising event being held at All Saints Parish Hall, Church Green, Frindsbury.

The evening, which begins at 7pm, has a 1940s theme with music from Java Jam, a sing along with the Pearly Kings and Queens, poetry from Josh Hall, as well as food and dancing.

Tickets are £15 per person and can be purchased from the shop in Strood High Street or by calling 01634 719382.

The money from ticket sales will go towards Strood Community Project which works with local people to improve education, town safety and employment rates.

To find out more about the project, visit www.stroodcommunityproject.org.uk/