A TEN-year-old Stanford-le-Hope schoolboy has learned a new skill and proved a dab hand as a fundraiser for the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal.

Stanley Jackson, who celebrated his tenth birthday this week, is a pupil at Stanford-le-Hope Primary School and he has taught himself how to crochet. He started the hobby after learning the craft watching You Tube videos during lockdown

In the lead up to Halloween, Stanley produced a few crocheted pumpkins which he sold to family and friends, but then hit upon the idea of supporting the Poppy Appeal after learning that local public Remembrance services have all been cancelled.

He has been involved in scouting for three years and is now a Cub and 2nd Stanford Toomai.

He has always been involved in the town's Remembrance Sunday parade in Stanford since he started with the scouts and was so disappointed at missing out he felt he had to do something to mark the event.

So Stanley decided to help raise some money for the Royal Legion.

He started off with a target of raising £20 selling them to family and friends then he increased it to £50 now he has pushed it to £100.

If anyone is interested in getting one of Stanley's poppies (priced £1) contact his proud mum Kristina on Facebook.