Poppies are being placed across the borough as the UK prepares for Remembrance Sunday, the first without Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Volunteers and councillors have taken to Watford roads and climbed ladders to display the symbolic flower on lampposts and benches in time for November 13.

Remembrance Sunday is held as a day to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts.

For years Liberal Democrat and Labour councillors have been putting poppies up across the borough to mark the occasion.

Read More

Liberal Democrat deputy mayor Aga Dychton, who lead the poppy team in central Watford, said: "It is pleasing to see so many of my fellow councillors getting involved in a positive way remembering all those that gave so much and supporting the community.

“It's been great to get so many ‘thank yous’ from residents as we have been up ladders - long may it continue.

“It is especially pleasing to do this year following the passing of Her Majesty.”

Watford Observer: Lib Dem Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst with a Tommy silhouetteLib Dem Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst with a Tommy silhouette (Image: Watford Lib Dems)

Since 1952, the UK has had Queen Elizabeth II as its monarch, and this will be the first Remembrance Sunday since she died on October 8, and His Majesty King Charles III acceded to the throne.

In addition to the poppies, Labour and Liberal Democrats have funded Tommy silhouettes and remembrance benches.

Watford Observer: Bench at Tudor Parade Bench at Tudor Parade (Image: Watford Lib Dems)

The Liberal Democrats have funded a bench that has been installed in Tudor Parade and Labour councillor Asif Khan has funded one to be unveiled in Goodwoods parade before November 13.  

Cllr Khan and volunteers have also been placing poppies around the Goodwoods area in preparation for the poignant day.

He outlined why he thinks it is so important to commemorate the day.

Watford Observer: Cllr Asif KhanCllr Asif Khan (Image: Cllr Asif Khan)

Cllr Khan said: “As I was growing up there were people alive who we could talk to about the wars.

“But with more and more people of that generation passing away, there are fewer people to remember the wars.

Watford Observer: Cllr Asif Khan with a volunteer. Cllr Asif Khan with a volunteer. (Image: Cllr Asif Khan)

“Throughout the world we need to commemorate the day to help the next generation learn about the history.”

He has also organised funding for women at war silhouettes “because it is important to remember their role in the wars too”.

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.