An Ellesmere shopkeeper has received a big ‘thank you’ from the local branch of the Royal British Legion after raising more than £600 for the Poppy Appeal with her handiwork.

Ismay Evans, who runs a ladies’ fashions business in the High Street, crocheted more than 200 poppies in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday.

“I began making them at the beginning of October,” she said, “but so many people wanted them, it was hard keeping up with demand. I managed to complete them in between serving customers and they’ve sold really well.”

“As well as traditional red poppies, I also made purple ones in memory of all the animals who’ve been killed in war and they proved really popular.”

Local hairdressing salon JS Hair was among those who helped to sell the poppies.

Ismay added: “I’ve had so much support and I’m really grateful to everyone who has donated to this worthy cause.”

Lynn Howard, the Royal British Legion’s poppy organiser for Ellesmere and District has presented Ismay with a thank you certificate for her efforts.

“Ismay has done a terrific job in helping to boost our appeal,” she said.

“It’s not the first time she’s made poppies and we really appreciate her support.”

“Our local appeal total is already approaching nearly £10,000 and we expect it to go higher over the next few months. We’re very grateful to everyone for their generosity in this special anniversary year.

“Last year’s appeal raised a record £12,300 and the way things are going we could be on course to set a new record.”

“We never cease to be amazed by the generosity shown by the people of Ellesmere.”

Throughout the Remembrance commemorations, the town has played a big part in marking the centenary.

There was a Poppy Concert which included the Second Ellesmere Brownies, which received a great response of the town, and volunteers from the Royal British Legion visited pupils at Ellesmere Primary and Criftins C of E Primary.