Giant poppy man created as part of Rhyl's Armistice Day plans

The man was designed by Cheryl, a friend of Richard Kendrick, who organises fundraising activities for the Royal British Legion (RBL) as well as children’s and emergency services charities.

Measuring more than seven feet in height, the figure will be on display in Rhyl’s White Rose shopping centre from Saturday, October 30.

Richard said: “He’s about 7ft 4in when he’s fully extended. He’s covered in poppies; (with) a proper Welsh guard’s trousers and shoes.

“He’s just missing a little white belt, so I’ve asked local guardsmen to put a little white belt on him. The feedback I’ve had is amazing – he stands out, doesn’t he?!

“It (until October 30) is in the doorway next to the old Dorothy Perkins shop (on High Street, Rhyl). As of next Saturday, he will be out at the White Rose Centre.”

Richard has also helped create poppy-covered wreaths for seven Rhyl schools, each of whom will be attending the town’s Armistice Day service in Rhyl’s War Memorial Garden by the town promenade.

The poppy wreaths created for the schools involved. Photo: Richard Kendrick

Each school will have their logo in the centre of their wreath, and Richard said that he hopes their involvement will encourage more youngsters to get involved with the events planned this year.

He added: “We have always tried to work with schools across North Wales, so we have asked seven schools all to attend Armistice Day and just to bring four pupils.

“We have a service in the Memorial Gardens on the prom, a wreath-laying event, and a chat with the schools, and I’m hoping they will go back to school and have their own service and tell the other children.

“It’s just to get the children interested and so that they might watch the (national) event on the TV.”

Rhyl High School, Ysgol Tir Morfa, Ysgol Bryn Hedydd, Ysgol Christchurch, Ysgol Emmanuel, Christ the Word Catholic School and Ysgol Llywelyn will be attending the service.