THE Royal British Legion has given its support to alternative arts festival Tavistock Edge's knitting project, 'Knitting on the Edge', in its bid to knit as many poppies as possible.

A number of poppies have already been knitted from red wool received during a 'wool amnesty' held earlier this year, but the group hopes to be able to knit many more to put around the war memorial during the week of the Tavistock Edge Festival (July 11 to 18).

The Edge welcomes anyone who is interested to get involved and help to maximise the effect of this installation.

All wool can be provided and there are standard patterns that those already producing poppies are using.

It is hoped that after the event the poppies can be made into badges that can be sold by the Royal British Legion.

Each poppy will need a black button at the centre, so if anyone has any spare black buttons, with four holes, about half an inch in diameter, they are asked to take them to Yarns of Tavistock where there is a bowl to put them in.

Val Sharpe, who is involved with the festival, said: 'We have a lot of things already in the pipeline that are going to make Tavistock a very colourful place in July.

'It has been amazing how many people have already become involved, it feels like a knitting revolution is taking place in the town.

'The poppies idea has proved really popular and the Royal British Legion has given us some backing to help make it happen, so that is now a definite plan.

'However proficient or not you think you are, come along to a meeting or get in touch to find out more.'

Anyone interested in helping to knit the poppies can contact Lesley on 01822 832308 [email protected]">[email protected] or Jude on [email protected]">[email protected] for more information.

A meeting is being held for anyone interested in, or already involved in, the Knitting on the Edge project at the Tavy Club on Wednesday, April 15 at 7.30pm.