Record-breaking number of poppies created by Telford primary school for Remembrance project

Apley Wood Primary Academy in Telford has broken records with its creative involvement in PCC John Campion’s Pin Your Poppy project.

Assistant PCC Steve Mackay visited the school on Friday to collect the poppies, talk to pupils about the importance of remembrance and to thank them for getting involved.

The poppies will now be pinned onto Telford’s Unknown Tommy statue, made by The British Ironwork Centre in Shropshire.

The Tommy, which has been at Malinsgate police station over the past month, has been reunited with other statues that have stood outside police stations across West Mercia.

Together at West Mercia Police Headquarters, all six Unknown Tommies are displaying poppies created by communities in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire as part of Remembrance Day commemorations.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “I launched this project two years ago to bring communities together whilst recognising the nation’s heroes.

“West Mercia Police has a proud tradition of welcoming ex-servicemen and women into its ranks, so I wanted to mark their service through my Pin Your Poppy project.

“Launched two years ago, I have been so proud and humbled to see the overwhelming response by local schools, community groups and residents but 420 poppies from one school is definitely a record!

“I would like to thank the pupils and teachers at Apley Wood Primary Academy for getting involved. I’m sure it has also been a great opportunity for the next generation to learn more about those who gave their lives to protect the democracy and freedom we enjoy every day.”

A spokesperson for Apley Primary Academy said: "The children have been delighted to have the privilege to share their respect with the wider community by contributing to the pin your poppy project."