POPPIES are popping up around the grilles of Thamesdown buses.

The Swindon bus company is marking Armistice Day by decorating its vehicles with outsized poppies.

Bus bosses hope that the move will help raise cash and awareness for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

Andrew Wickham, Thamesdown managing director, said: “People in this region are rightfully proud of our country’s military - as is the team here in Swindon.

“For a number of years now, we have been showing our support for our servicemen and women. And as a part of this community, this is very important to all of us at Thamesdown.

“We will be helping to raise funds on buses during November, and we hope, by proudly displaying our poppies and raising awareness for this worthwhile cause, we’re backing our words with actions.”

He said that Thamesdown drivers would pull their busses over to the side of the road at 11am on Saturday, November 11,”if it is safe to do so” - taking part in the two minutes’ silence that will echo around war memorials across the country.

Collection tins on Swindon buses and at Thamesdown’s town centre travel shop would collect for the appeal, Thamesdown said.

This year, Swindon veterans will mark the traditional Remembrance Sunday Act of Remembrance at the Regent Circus cenotaph on Sunday, November 12, at 11am. Those who would like to take part in the march to the memorial are asked to meet in the Granville Street Car Park at 10am.

The Lydiard Park Field of Remembrance will open on Friday, November 10, at 10am with a ceremony that will include Remembrance readings for fallen servicemen and women, a two minutes’ silence and the sounding of the Last Post.

The Field of Remembrance will be open daily to the public in Lydiard House’s walled garden from Friday, November 10 to Sunday, November 19, 9am – 4pm.