Schools in Ashfield were determined to pay their respect for Remembrance Day, despite the lockdown restrictions.

Lee Anderson, MP for Ashfield, had contacted schools and asked if they’d design and decorate their schools with poppies. Many agreed to take part with some sending pictures to him.

Lee paid a visit to the poppy display at Fountaindale School and was delighted with the tribute. He said: “Driving along the A60 towards the school, I was amazed as I approached the school entrance. The tribute was so touching. The head told me how upset the pupils had been when they couldn’t remember our fallen on VE Day in the way they’d expected to. So many people have told me this but knowing young people felt it too literally brought a tear to my eye.”

Lee was also able to visit a display at Abbey Hill Primary School, Kirkby, and was impressed by the poppies and handwritten poems the children had made. Gracie Slack, aged 10, read her poem out to the MP, speaking of the sacrifices that had been made on our behalf. Tyler Longmate, also of Year 6, spoke about the poem he had written and gave tips on how he remembered the words.

Lee was sent photographs of the school displays he couldn’t visit and promised to share them on his Facebook page.

He said: “This year has been difficult but so many people have told me that they want to do something to show their respect. Through the ‘Street Poppy’ campaign we have raised almost £7,000 to donate to the Royal British Legion and our streets and schools show how much we care – young and old, showing their respect for our heroes. It makes me very proud to represent this area.”

Lee Anderson is pictured at Abbey Hill Primary with Gracie Slack and Tyler Longmate.