CELEBRATIONS and commemorations of those who fought for their country in all wars took place in Workington to coincide with the launch of Cumbria’s Poppy Appeal.

Displays were set up in the town’s centre and a parade was held to mark the launch. Eight-year-old Frazer Rothery read a remembrance poem that he wrote in poetry club at St Bridget’s primary School and it is proving to be a huge hit.

Ellie Smith-Barratt, community fundraiser for the British Legion in Cumbria and the Isle of Man said the video has had phenomenal success on the poppy appeal’s Facebook page.

The event was thanks to the work of Workington’s Poppy Appeal organiser Jamie Richardson, former lance corporal in the Royal Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, along with Cockermouth’s organiser, Ross Murphy, a sergeant in the Duke of Lancaster Regiment.

A display has been set up in Workington Railway Station commemorating the First World War by Martin Tweddle, a train driver who is also part of the town’s transport heritage group.

Displays were also built in Amathea Care Home and Newlands Care Centre.

Richard Ashcroft , manager of the Washington Square Shopping Centre, said the town was honoured to launch the appeal.