Remembrance Day knitters cover horse in 3,000 poppies

A voluntary group of knitters has decorated a life-size horse with more than 3,000 poppies to mark Remembrance Day.

Whittlesey Poppy Blitz unveiled its display at Whittlesey's Garden of Rest seven months after starting work on it.

The group formed during the Covid pandemic to support the Royal British Legion.

Jackie Fryett said the group had been "moved" by the feedback.

It is run by Ms Fryett, Jenny Palmer and Jayne Dando, with an aim to raise funds for the Royal British Legion.

It is not a registered charity and relies on sponsorships and donations from the public and local businesses.

This year, it was supported by Peterborough College and Whittlesey-based building products manufacturer Forterra among others.

The displays also include knitted mini soldiers from the British Army, navy and air force, which are spread around the town.

Ms Fryett said: "We started because we couldn't sell poppies on the streets in the pandemic. It took off from there.

"We now have a group of 12-15 ladies who knit for us - all volunteers, mostly pensioners, who are trying to stay busy.

"We add something new to our displays each year and this year we wanted to do a horse.

"We supplied the materials and Peterborough College finished it for us. It's 7ft (2.1m) high and covered in more than 3,000 purple poppies. It's beautiful."

Ms Fryett said the Royal British Legion, Whittlesey army cadets and Whittlesey boy scouts would benefit from its poppy appeal.

"The reactions and feedback from the public on our displays have been amazing," she said. "We are so moved.

"This has been a community effort and one that has given people something to look forward to."

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