A FUNERAL firm is calling on keen knitters to help raise money for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Co-operative Funeralcare will provide the patterns and wool to volunteers to create knitted poppies, which they can then sell in the run-up to Remembrance Day in return for a donation to the appeal.

A spokesman said: “Last year was another huge success thanks to the wonderful poppies knitted by people within our local communities and we want to continue the success again this year to raise funds for The Royal British Legion. Last year we managed to raise over £700 from our knitted poppy appeal.”

The funeral homes at Five Lane Ends, Allerton Road and Tong Street will be handing out the patterns and wool until Monday, October 26, with all knitted poppies needing to be returned to the firm by Friday, October 30.

"If you know one end of a knitting needle from another, or are well versed with knit one, purl one, then drop into your local funeral home," the spokesman added.