POPPIES are to be planted across the town as part of the Royal British Legion’s commemoration of the First World War.

The Centenary Poppy Campaign will see fields of poppies grow in tribute to those who died in the conflict.

Charles Byrne, the RBL’s director of fundraising, said: “We are delighted that this campaign has gained nationwide recognition.

"We want to see members of the public making this campaign their own in their local communities, working in collaboration with local government, schools and community groups.”

A large poppy bed will be seeded in Bank Park, while a verge next to the cenotaph on Bridge Foot has also been seeded, funded by Warrington Borough Council.

It is encouraging the town to take part, alongside its own Wildabout Flowers campaign.

A spokesman for Warrington Borough Council said: “The First World War centenary has inspired many poppy plantings and this fits in well with our ambition to see as many flowers as possible in open spaces across the borough, which are beneficial to people and good for the environment.W Parish councils are also funding there own poppy planting, to support the RBL campaign.

Burtonwood, Stockton Heath, Appleton, Stretton, Penketh, Lymm, Woolston and Poulton with Fearnhead have already agreed to take part.

They will be planted in communal areas like parks, by the side of the road, and at cenotaphs.

Ian Johnson is chairman of Woolston Parish Council and Poulton with Fearnhead Parish Council.

He has agreed for poppies to be grown on Bennetts Rec and Coliver’s Field, and the Padgate and Martinscroft cenotaphs.

“I cannot think of a parish scheme greater in terms of standing and reward to end the municipal year with, and look forward to seeing them establish and flower.

‘’We all enjoy the freedoms secured by many, and should all spare a few moments to remember, not just on the eleventh of November every year.”

To encourage people to get involved in the Centenary Poppy Campaign, all B&Q stores will sell poppy seeds nationwide.

You can buy the seeds from stores on Delph Lane, Winwick, and Milner Street. The £1 fee will go to the RBL.

Poppy seeds will also be supplied for free to all schools, following a grant to the RBL by the Heritage Lottery Fund.