A six-year-old Royal British Legion mascot has helped plant poppy seeds at her school after being inspired by tragic fusilier Lee Rigby.
Emily-Rose Hughes, from West Crescent, Accrington, joined with members of the Accrington branch and the Mayor of Hyndburn Judith Addison to plant the seeds at Peel Park Primary School.
Mum Catherine Hughes said Emily-Rose became a Legion mascot after joining members for a service at the Accrington Cenotaph following Drummer Rigby’s death in May.
She said: “It’s quite amazing really. We were all watching it on the news and even though she’s only six she wanted to put down some flowers.
“We went to the Accrington Cenotaph and as we were there was a service with the Royal British Legion and she started asking them questions.
“Her father took her to the funeral in Bury and because she was interested in Armed Forces Day a member of the Legion asked her to march with the parade.
“When the Poppy campaign came up on their website and they were asking people to help plant them I thought it was a lovely idea, particularly with everything that’s happening next year and the Accrington Pals connection.”
Mrs Hughes, 36, said poppies have been planted now so they are in full bloom for the First World War centenary celebrations next year.
She said: “I’m really made up that the school agreed to do it and Emily-Rose was so excited to be a part of it.
“All the poppy seeds have been put in big planters and they need to be planted before the end of October otherwise they won’t be ready for next year. We hope by doing this to get other schools and places around Hyndburn to plant poppies so it will look really lovely next year.”
