The appeal for people to knit and crochet poppies for a Remembrance Day parade display in Mansfield is gathering pace.

Mansfield District Council’s project is aimed at commemorating those who lost their lives during the world wars and raise money for the Royal British Legion.

So far more than 800 woollen poppies have been donated with more expected to be delivered to the Civic Centre.

Each poppy can be sponsored by the public and attached to netting at events on Mansfield Market Place in October.

All money raised will go to the Legion, which supports members of the Armed Forces community.

The poppies will be on display during the week leading up to the Remembrance Day parade on Sunday, 12th November.

The latest donation of poppies came from a group that meets every Tuesday at Flint Avenue Community Centre, Forest Town, to play bingo.

The group consists of up to 35 people from Forest Town and Mansfield Woodhouse who are retired and mostly live alone.

Coun Mick Barton, deputy mayor, stepped in three years ago to help organise the weekly sessions.

He said: “I look forward to seeing the group every week and am always looking for other activities to get them involved in, so thought the poppy parade project would be perfect.

“It gives the residents something to focus on and also makes them feel part of the community. They will get a real sense of pride and achievement when they see the poppies on display in town.”

Eileen Richardson, who attends the bingo session and has contributed 188 knitted poppies for the display so far, said: “I’ve really enjoyed getting involved in the council’s project. I make poppies for the Royal British Legion too. My next project is to make some baby clothes.”

After Remembrance Day most of the poppies will be kept by the council and reused in future years.

Surplus poppies and those of the best quality will be given to the Legion to sell during next year’s poppy appeal.

People who can’t knit or crochet but would like to contribute can make a donation instead or sponsor one of the poppies to add to the display.

Knitting and crochet patterns are at www.mansfield.gov.uk/poppyparade

Poppies can be taken to the Civic Centre, Chesterfield Road South, Mansfield, marked for the attention of the marketing communications team.

The council will be collecting poppies until the end of September.

Groups and individuals are urged to get in touch with the council to let organisers know about their involvement so their efforts can be promoted.

Email [email protected] for more information.