DAME JOANNA AND MICA

GO GREEN TO SUPPORT POPPY DAY

In a move as much about looking to the future as remembering the past, Poppy Day will look a little different this year as the iconic flower symbol goes plastic-free – much to the delight of its famous supporters.

The emblem has undergone its first redesign since the 1990s to become an all-paper version, using upcycled fibres from offcuts created during the production of paper coffee cups. It means it is completely recyclable at home.

Introduced by the Royal British Legion in 1921 to help veterans of the First World War, the poppies have had a number of makeovers over the past century, with previous incarnations made from silk, cotton, cardboard and felt. The new design took three years to perfect.

A host of celebrities will be wearing their poppy with pride, as well as doing their bit to support the Legion’s work with serving and ex-serving men and women and their families.

Among them is actress Dame Joanna Lumley, 77, who shared a photo of the “fantastic” new recyclable poppy (left). “The armed forces make sacrifices every day so we can enjoy our freedoms and way of life,” shen said. “Please, wear your plastic-free poppy with pride, as I do, to show you care.”

And singer Mica Paris, 54, (above) who will be performing at the Festival of Remembrance concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall, said: “I’m so proud to support the Poppy Appeal.”