THE Winsford branch of the Royal British Legion visited a poppy factory run by wounded, sick and injured former servicemen.

In preparation for Armistice Day, which takes place on November 11, the Royal British Legion members organised a visit to The Poppy Factory, which is located in Richmond, Surrey.

The origins of the factory go back to 1922 with the aim of producing Remembrance poppies with a workforce of five severely wounded veterans from the First World War.

In 1925, the factory moved to Richmond and currently employs 36 disabled, wounded or sick or former servicemen. Last year they produced 44,000,000 poppies, crosses and wreaths.

A spokesman for the Royal British Legion Winsford branch, said: “All sections of the factory were visited but the most poignant was the assembly area.

“A number of the workforce have lost limbs including arms therefore they have to assemble the four elements, the petal, leaf, stalk and button of the poppy with one hand.

“Most visitors try this with most pieces ending up on the floor, our party being no exception.

“Watching the staff assemble them, the visitor realises the hours of practice and dedication for it to become an acquired skill.

“When making your donation for a poppy, spare a thought for these dedicated veterans who work tirelessly all year round to help their comrades in need.”