SUPPORTERS of a project to plant a field of poppies in York as a tribute to the fallen of the First World War have been stunned by the generosity of the community.

The Poppy Road Poppy Project wants to turn empty land into wildflower meadows to mark the centenary of the Great War, and people in Holgate have pledged donations of more than £3,000, allotment space, flyer distribution, horticultural advice and manpower.

Jane Lund, project chairman, said: “We’ve been humbled and inspired by the people of York. Our target for the first phase of the Poppy Project was £2,000. Our supporters have knocked the socks off that.”

Last week 14 local schoolgirls, (12 pictured), who all share the name of the flower, gathered to show their support.

Jane said: “We think it is so important to involve children, and hope that our ‘Posie of Poppies’ will inspire more families to turn up and help on planting day.”

Emma Lea, from family-run business Molly Maid, who took her daughter, said: “The Poppy Road Poppy Project feels especially close to our hearts as we’re a York-based business, my grandfather fought in the war and I have a daughter called Poppy.”

Poppleton Road Primary School is getting involved, and Jane visited to show pupils how to make recycled planting pots from newspaper. The planting day is Saturday, April 26. Volunteers are invited.

A community project meeting will be at Holgate Working Men’s Club on Tuesday, April 8, from 8pm. Jane said: “Thanks to every Poppy who came to show her support."

The girls who took part included Poppy Frear, Poppy Bailey, Poppy Lea, Poppy Morgan, Poppy Holland, Poppy Wadsworth, Poppy Moss, Poppy Holliday, Poppy Ward, Poppy Winship, Poppy Salmon, Poppy Tidswell, Poppy Walker, and Poppy Clark.