A major project is under way in northern France to commemorate a Shropshire war poet.

Wilfred Owen, who was born in Oswestry, was killed on the battlefield in 1918 but has since been remembered as one of the leading poets of the First World War.

It was in Ors, France, where he spent his final days at the Forester’s house, which is now being turned into a visitor centre.

Visitors will be able to explore the rehabilitated Forester’s house itself, including the cellar where he wrote his last letter.

From there he and his men marched down to the bank of the Sambre – Oise Canal at Ors.

In the early morning of November 4, 1918, Mr Owen was killed attempting to cross the canal. He lies in the British Cemetery in Ors.

Every year on November 4 the people of Ors pay homage to Mr Owen and the village of Ors and the Canton of Le Cateau wished to ensure the Forester’s House remains.

They intend to create a centre for Mr Owen and also other cultural occasions. The mayor of Ors, the tourist office for the Cambresis region and the Wilfred Owen Association France are exhibiting at The France Show in London on January 8 at Earls Court.

John Waine, who is organising the first Oswestry Festival of the Word in March, said: “At The France Show . . . there will be a good representation of various parts of northern France. One of these will be Ors – where the project to turn the Forester’s house . . . will be shown.”