In 2018, Morecambe Business Improvement District (BID) purchased 3,000 giant poppies to help commemorate the 100th year anniversary of the end of World War One, the formation of the Royal Air Force and Armed Forces Day.

Such is the response and generosity from local businesses and the public that BID managed to raise an extra £2,000, over and above the initial cost of the poppies.

Brendan Hughes, chair of Morecambe BID commented: “The turnout for the memorial service on the 11th November, and the greater expected response from the public and businesses in purchasing the giant poppies from BID shows that people still deeply appreciate the sacrifice that millions of soldiers, sailors and flyers made over 100 years ago.

“They helped form modern nations and saved us from tyranny. Their sacrifices will not easily be forgotten by the people of Morecambe and the district.”

A spokesperson from the Royal British Legion commented: “We very grateful for the thousands of pounds raised by the BID’s sale of lamp post poppies, it really helped raise the profile and we sold out nationwide very quickly.

“Everyone has seen your great work and want some too”, they added after the great response from Morecambe businesses and residents.