Southsea pupil's poppy display brighten up school

The 380 children at Ark Ayrton Primary Academy in Somers Road, Southsea, created the display.

They placed the laminated poppies outside on Thursday morning and have impressed locals.

And yesterday, children and staff observed a two-minute silence to mark Armistice Day, standing in front of their exhibition.

Headteacher Anne Hibberd-Chapman said the project had inspired the youngsters.

She said: ‘As a school we have a strong commitment to teaching our children and developing their understanding of the British values of tolerance, respect, freedom and democracy.

‘With this year being the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, it has been a perfect opportunity to relate these values to Armistice Day.

‘The children have been learning about independence and freedom and have all created their own poppy to show their respect and understanding for those who fought and lost their lives.’

The poppies have since been taken down.

All the children bought their own designs for 20p, with all the proceeds – some £76 – going towards the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.