A FARMER is calling on fellow landowners to show their support for this year’s Poppy Appeal by popping a poppy on their tractors.

Councillor Rob Adams, who farms about 200 acres around the village of White Ladies Aston, near Pershore, said there were plenty of tractors and other agricultural vehicles about at the moment during the late-arriving planting season.

With that in mind, he is asking Worcestershire farmers and landowners to support the Royal British Legion and their appeal this year.

He admits, however, that farmers already have their hands full at the moment trying to salvage a planting season which has been badly affected by higher-than-average yearly rainfall.

Coun Adams, county council chairman, said: “This is just a small request to farmers, that if they can support the Poppy Appeal, then that would be ideal.

“Although I have to say farmers are very busy trying to get cereal crops planted, as it has been a difficult year.

"I am also very aware of the economic situation and that every penny counts for families, but if you can afford to give something, every bit counts.”

David Waldron, RBL county branch vice-chairman, said the Poppy Appeal continued to be the main source of funding for welfare and benevolent services for more than 100,000 people per year.

“Last year’s appeal in Worcestershire raised more than £500,000 and we’re hoping to exceed that figure this year,” he said.