KNITTERS have got the Poppy Appeal all stitched up with their dedicated fundraising efforts.

All over Weymouth and Portland, proud supporters of the Royal British Legion appeal are donning hand-crafted poppies made by the community knitters.

The Let’s Make It group have created poppies in their thousands and are still stitching to raise funds.

Knitter Julie Hursthouse said: “They’ve been so popular, we’ve even started work on next year’s batch because of the overwhelming response we’ve had.

“We probably could have sold them 10 times over – there’s been a huge demand.

“We’ve learned a huge amount and that’s why we’ve started getting prepared for next year.

“Any donations of red, black or green wool would be much appreciated.”

Another knitter, Weymouth and Portland councillor Joy Stanley said: “The response has been terrific. We really appreciate all the support.

“It’s been a lovely social thing as well, for us to get together and have a chat too.”

Members have worked tirelessly to produce the poppies, each unique to the person who made it.

One dedicated knitter made more than 500.

Before taking on the project, the group made blankets for babies at Dorset County Hospital and a float at Weymouth Carnival.

They will have a Poppy Appeal celebration party at Cafe 123 on The Esplanade on December 9 from 2pm.

TELL US WHAT YOU’RE DOING IN SUPPORT

EACH day in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday we will be profiling volunteers and organisations which are supporting the Poppy Appeal.

We will take a closer look at the individuals who give up their time to raise money for and support the Royal British Legion.

We’ll be profiling poppy sellers, veterans and serving members of the armed forces who are working locally to make the 2012 appeal a success.

This year’s Poppy Appeal target is a record-breaking £42million, with all the money raised going towards the Legion’s vital support for members of the armed forces and their families in need.

If you are a member or supporter of the armed forces community or helping with this year’s Poppy Appeal, we’d like to hear from you.

Call the Dorset Echo on 01305 830999 or email newsdesk@dorsetecho.co.uk