Biddulph's Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal fundraiser is taking place online this year, with England due to move back into lockdown for another four weeks.

Poppies are usually sold by Biddulph resident Elaine Rice, but due to the restrictions that will be in place, she sadly won't be able to do so this year.

Elaine's daughter, Liz Hanley, said her mum was "absolutely devastated" at not being able to sell poppies.

In an effort to continue to raise money despite the lockdown, Liz Hanley, Neil Hanley, and local councillor Jill Salt have instead organised an online fundraiser so that people who would usually donate will continue to do so.

Liz said: "As the local people of Biddulph and the surrounding areas may know, each and every year since I can remember, probably more than 25-30 years now, my Mum, Elaine Rice, has organised and collected for Biddulph's Poppy Appeal on behalf of the British Legion.

"This is something that she and my Dad used to do together but since my Dad passed away 18 years ago, my Mum has carried on and does this herself.

"She has also taken on the role of Standard Bearer after my Dad passed and leads the Town's Remembrance Parade each year.

"This period is the only time of year that Elaine ever uses her holidays and she does it to collect every day for the two weeks leading up to 11th November.

"From Thursday 5th November we will be going into lockdown again and so Elaine and other Biddulph British Legion volunteers won't be able to sell poppies.

She added: "Elaine is absolutely devastated by this so I thought I'd set this page up so people who'd usually donate to such a worthwhile cause can continue to do so.

"All of your money donated will go directly to the British Legion and if anyone would like me to post them a poppy, wooden cross, or pin badge then I'd be happy to do so, just send me a direct message."

At the time of writing, the fundraiser has so far raised £85 in the one day it has been live, with the goal of raising £5,000 in the next 11 days.

If you would like to donate, visit the fundraiser's page on Facebook here.