Today, The Northern Echo has published a special Remembrance Sunday edition, commemorating the centenary of the First World War.

Click on the video link to see how the special edition came together and how the front page looks thanks to original artwork produced by acclaimed artist Mackenzie Thorpe.

The Middlesbrough-born artist, whose work is in demand all over the world, was asked by the paper if he would like to be involved in the First World War centenary edition. His immediate response was “it would be an honour”.

Within 48 hours, Mackenzie had produced the pastel artwork which is used on the front cover. Against a dramatic skyline, it shows a poppy with a dew drop, which symbolises a tear. Inside the tear is a subtle silhouette of soldiers at war.

Mackenzie has also produced a second piece of art, featuring a poppy design, which is used on the back page and inside the newspaper.

Today's special edition features historic wartime front pages from The Northern Echo’s archives and a roll of honour of the region’s soldiers who lost their lives. It also chronicles how the communities of the North-East are marking the centenary.

The Sunday edition is on sale at newsagents today and costs £1 – 100pence for 100 years. Ten pence for each copy sold will go to The Northern Echo’s “£100,000 for 100 Years” appeal in aid of Phoenix House, the rehabilitation centre established by Help For Heroes at Catterick.

The original Mackenzie Thorpe artwork will also be auctioned in aid of Help For Heroes.

Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, said: “The planning for our Remembrance Sunday edition began more than a year ago because we felt the centenary of the start of the First World War warranted special treatment. The involvement of Mackenzie Thorpe makes it extra special. I sincerely hope our readers agree.”