HUNDREDS of handmade fabric poppies have been made by crafting volunteers in support of this year's poppy appeal in Brierley Hill.

The poppies were handed over by Lisa Maidment, of Crafting for Communities, and received by Brierley Hill ward councillor Adam Davies who is joining fellow ward councillor Wayne Little and other volunteers to staff the Royal British Legion stand at Asda Brierley Hill.

It is hoped the donated poppies will help increase the funds raised through this year's local poppy appeal.

Councillor Davies said: "Remembrance is about remembering the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life; as well as helping our veterans and their families with the funds raised through people’s generosity during the poppy appeal.

"That’s why we’re so grateful to Lisa and all of the fantastic volunteers at Crafting for Communities for their time and effort making these poppies – helping boost the funds collected and showing support for our veterans and serving members of our country’s Armed Forces.”

The stand is located just past the tills at Asda Brierley Hill and is being staffed by volunteers organised by Brierley Hill Community Forum.

A voluntary schedule of forum members, the ward councillors, Dudley South MP Mike Wood and other volunteers will be staffing the stand through to the end of this year’s poppy appeal.

Lisa Maidment, chairperson of the trustees and CEO of Crafting for Communities, said: "We at Crafting for Communities are so very proud to be supporting this Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal in Brierley Hill for another year.

"Our makers love making the poppies each year. And because last year the badges went down so well, we wanted to make more.

"We also have a post box topper at Stourbridge Junction Railway Station, with a remembrance theme. And we are continuing to put poppy badges for commuters to take. The public have been so kind, and sent donations which we look forward to passing over very soon."