The Centenary Poppy Campaign is a national campaign to mark the start of the First World War. The aim is to cover the UK with poppies during the centenary period, in commemoration of all those who lost their lives in the First World War.

The campaign is being run by The Royal British Legion in partnership with the DIY retailer B & Q. Packets of Flanders poppy seeds are available from all B &Q stores, with £1 from each sale going to The Royal British Legion.

Maria said : “The Centenary Poppy Campaign is a simple and really appropriate way to mark the start of the First World War locally. It will also help to raise funds to help today’s Services community.”

Maria added: “I know that poppy seeds have already been planted in many parts of Basingstoke, including by the Borough Council in Memorial Park. I have also helped with planting poppy seeds at Milestones Museum and also at Castle Hill Junior School. I hope that the Centenary Poppy Campaign will encourage many others to plant their own poppies for this important commemoration.”