A BUS firm in Plymouth is to make a very public show of support to a service charity – by placing poppies on its fleet writes defence reporter Tristan Nichols.

Plymouth Citybus has pledged its support to the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal by putting more than 150 extra large poppies on the front of the buses.

The engineering team will apply poppies on the front grills of suitable buses to show off the iconic red emblem which was first used after World War One.

The firm's travel shops in Debenhams, and at its Milehouse depot will also be collecting donations to help with the legion's fundraising.

The drivers are also keen to support the legion by making donations to obtain their own personal poppies to be worn on their uniform.

Carole Arnold, county fundraiser for the Poppy Appeal, and Fiona Weekes, Poppy Appeal organiser, visited the Milehouse depot yesterday to see the first poppy being applied to the bus fleet.

"We believe that this is the first time that a bus company in Plymouth has applied the Poppy to their bus fleet," said Carole.

"We are grateful for the extensive promotion they can offer the appeal within the city."

Andrew Wickham, managing director at Plymouth Citybus, said that many people in the company felt it important to display the symbol of remembrance.

"Not only should we remember those employees of bus companies who were killed in action or by enemy action, but support the Royal British Legion that will provide future help to members and their families involved in the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan," he added.

He said that where safe to do so, bus drivers on the network will be allowed to park and switch off their engines to join the two minutes silence on Friday November 11 at 11 am.

Anyone wishing to make a donation or support the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal can call Carole Arnold on 01392 273111 or 07769671590.