A HUGE poppy made from tarpaulin has been put in place today (Monday, November 7) on Picquet Hill ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

A team of eight volunteers braved the cold and strong winds to climb the hill near Bratton and attach the poppy, which is around 50 foot in width, to the ground for the fourth year in a row.

The poppy was manufactured by Dobie Wyatt, a company based near Marlborough which supplies tarpaulin sheets to the haulage trade.

Poppy Appeal Organiser for the Bratton branch of the Royal British Legion, Colin Tagg, said: “The high winds damaged the poppy last year but Dobie Wyatt have since kindly repaired it free of charge.

“This year the black centre is made from a mesh material which means it won’t lift off the ground as much as it has done in previous years and should fare better.

“It’s in a lovely position as it can be seen from where the Armistice memorial will take place on Friday.”

The poppy is secured to the ground with 50 large pegs and will remain in place until next Monday.

On Friday, at 10.50am, pupils from Bratton Primary School will join residents as they remember those who have died in wars at the village’s war memorial and on Sunday, at 11am, a service will take place in St James’ Church before the laying of the wreaths.

For more information contact Mr Tagg on 01380 830816.