SOLDIERS, nurses, suffragettes, evacuees and a full size walking poppy have dropped in on Distington Community School.

Teachers and pupils dressed up to honour those involved in the two world wars and raised £578.60 for Help For Heroes.

Alison Doran, attendance officer at the school,and one of the organisers of the event, said: “I just think the Help for Heroes is such a worthwhile cause. We thought we’d tie the tea in to the centenary and make it special for the community.”

Over 200 children, parents and visitors tucked into afternoon tea.

Nathan Martin, 16, of Distington, dressed up as a giant poppy. After a minute’s silence, the children began to sing songs and were given a demonstration by The Royal British Legion standard bearer for the Harrington branch.

The tea coincided with the pensioners’ monthly lunch.