PUPILS have been honouring those who have served and sacrificed their lives in conflicts in classrooms across Hampshire in the run up to Remembrance Day this week.

But one Southampton schoolgirl has found a more practical way to support the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal, which is set to lose out on millions of pounds of donations this year due to Covid.

Poppy Menzies, a Year 2 pupil at Foundry Lane Primary School in Shirley, has been busy selling poppies to family, friends and classmates, raising an impressive £261.35 in the process.

The six-year-old has always been fascinated by her namesake appeal. And, when she heard it would struggle this year due to poppy sellers being unable to take to the streets and fundraising locations like pubs and cafes being closed during lockdown as well as fundraising events being cancelled, she asked her parents what she could do to help.

Teachers at Poppy's school were among those keen to buy the 'poppies in the post' she had been sent by the Royal British Legion. Lots of people purchasing Poppy's poppies had found them difficult to source in more traditional ways.

Posting on the school's social media account, a spokesman said: "Well done Poppy, we are so proud of you. You have shown true Foundry Lane spirit and values."

Through the Poppy Appeal, the Royal British Legion provide support for members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families.

Poppies are used to remember those who have given their lives in battle because they are the flowers which grew on the battlefields of France and Belgium after World War One ended.