Poppies appear in Doncaster playing fields thanks to school pupils

Around 600 of the bright red replica flowers have been created by youngsters at the St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School, on Roberts Road, as the culmination of their work to learn about Armistice Day an World War One.

Jessica Hodby, inclusion manager at the school, said they had been placed at the school’s nearby playing fields.

She said: “The field is now full of beautiful poppies that our children have made in remembrance of our fallen soldiers.

“We wanted to do something to mark Remembrance Day, and the class teachers spent time explaining who we were remembering. As part of the the children made poppies in class.

"We decided to use them to fill the field with poppies. They made a few each, so there are about 600 all together.”

Pupils all brought in plastic bottles, and cut the bottoms off, painting the ends red. Some of the younger children made them more simply.

They will be in the field for the next week or so, depending on the weather, and then be collected in so that the children can take them home.

Ms Hodby added: "It is the first year that we’ve done this – but we may do it every year after the success of this year.

"We wanted to do something bigger than usual this year, as it was something that we are able to do despite the lockdown.

“We are very proud of our amazing children.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.