A PUB in Weymouth is encouraging residents to decorate their communities with large poppies in the lead-up to Remembrance Day.

The Wyke Smugglers on Portland Road is selling a selection of different poppies, some of which can be attached to lampposts in tribute to the fallen.

For the last four years the pub has been supporting the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal by raising vital funds.

It is the idea of Anna Jones who is landlord Rhos Thompson's business partner at the pub.

Mr Thompson said: “This is the fourth year that we’re doing this.

“Poppies are up along Portland Road in Wyke Regis and available for collection from the pub.

“We’re selling the usual array of paper poppies, metallic poppies and poppy bracelets, as well as the large lamppost poppies.

“It’s amazing how people take it to their hearts, and it goes to show what a lovely town we live in.”

Last year the pub was covered in poppies attracting praise from local residents.

Mr Thompson said: “We won’t be covering the pub in poppies this year. The weather has been so rotten we haven’t been able to get out and do anything.

“It’s all Anna’s idea, she came up with the idea.”

He explained why he thinks so many residents show their support.

He added: “I think it’s down to the area’s strong links with the armed forces.

“Aside from Portland being an ex-naval base, with ex naval personnel living in the area, there’s a lot of merchant seamen living here too.

“Also, I think people realise that our local veterans need our support and we’re proud to show them our support for giving up time to serve this country.”

Mr Thompson said it would be fantastic if lampposts could be decorated from Portland across to Wyke Regis and down to Weymouth war memorial on the seafront.

He said: “I believe people on Portland are already behind the idea and have decorated lampposts as far as Victoria Square. I would love to see it carry on through Ferrybridge to the cenotaph.”

It is hoped the total amount of money raised year will finally take the pub past its goal of raising £10,000.

For the last three years it has raised around £9,000 for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

The cost of purchasing a lamppost poppy is £5 while a donation of £1 is recommended for paper poppies.