In the year that marks 100 years since the birth of the poppy as a symbol of Remembrance and hope, 1st Harpenden Guides have knitted more 200 poppies.

Earlier in the month the Guides were joined by the Deputy Poppy Appeal Organiser Rosemary Croft who spoke to the girls about how their support is making a difference to the lives of those serving and ex serving in the community.  

Guide leaders, Debbie Clark and Jo Batchelor, said: "As it’s the centenary of the start of the World War One, we wanted to make the guides aware of how guides helped. We decided to help with the fundraising by knitting over 200 poppies which we will be selling for a minimum donation of £2.

"Further to this we have been fundraising by filing smarties tubes with coins and we all took part in the Poppy Run on the October 26, in Welwyn Garden City." 

The Poppy Appeal fundraising target in Hertfordshire is £800,000, which will go towards the Legion’s national target of £40 million to continue its vital work delivering practical, through life care and support to the Armed Forces community.

The Royal British Legion’s Community Fundraiser Natasha Robertson said: "It is really wonderful that the 1st Harpenden Guides are so involved with their local Poppy Appeal this year.  

"As we mark the Centenary of the First World War, it’s as important as ever to wear a poppy and remember the sacrifices and commitment made by our Armed Forces both then and now.

"The message behind this year’s Poppy Appeal is Live On - to the memory of the fallen and future of the living, which captures perfectly why it’s so important to donate to the appeal and wear a poppy.

"Every donation received from the sale of the guide’s beautifully handmade poppies will make a real difference to the lives of Service men and women, veterans and their loved ones."