A campaign by Lee Anderson, MP for Ashfield and Eastwood, and local residents to decorate the streets with poppies initially raised £3,000 in three hours and is now close to £5,000.

The Royal British Legion has been unable to sell poppies as in previous years because of the coronavirus pandemic.R

Lee said: “Like many people, this charity is close to my heart. So many residents had contacted me about the street poppies but the Legion was not in a position to distribute them this year.

“I had to find a solution to this problem. I liaised with Skegby’s Coun Melanie Darrington because she wanted to do something too. Melanie offered to have the poppies delivered to her home, therefore removing the Royal British Legion’s distribution problem.

“I placed a big order not really knowing how many people would purchase one and asked for a minimum £3 donation. I was overwhelmed when the £3,000 target was met in just three hours. I’m deeply humbled – the people of Ashfield have done themselves proud. They’ve bought the poppies, decorated their streets and helped their neighbours do the same.”

Lee has held ‘poppy hanging’ sessions with residents in Skegby, Sutton and Huthwaite.

The fundraiser has been so successful that he has placed another two orders for poppies with the Royal British Legion. If you want to donate and decorate your street click here.