A BARRY job centre employee has created extra work for her colleagues Wales-wide as part of a right royal fundraising mission for the Poppy Appeal.

Lone parent adviser at Barry JobcentrePlus (JCP), Anne Cheshire has so far knitted more than 650 poppies for the Royal British Legion's fundraising campaign including a special creation for HRH Prince Harry, currently serving in Afghanistan.

But a late order for 180 meant mum-of-three Anne's friend and colleague from Chepstow JCP, Hollie Thomas needed to spring to the rescue and enlist herself into the mission.

Anne, 54, said: "I came up with the idea back in March 2012.

"I was thinking of the upcoming year and after seeing the poppies made for the Military Wives choir I thought what a great idea.

"I could knit some and sell them on behalf of the Poppy Appeal 2012.

"Virtually every JCP from Bangor to Barry has contributed - an absolute triumph and a bonus to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal."

Each poppy, including beading, pinning and ribbon, takes 45 minutes to make.

Anne said: "I have had wool contributions from close friends in Barnstaple.

"Fiona Foggett, who found the lovely James C Brett Twinkley Wool at her local wool shop.

"I have also had contributions of ribbon from my own local wool shop here in Llantwit Major, The Sewing Box.

"My husband and I both come from military backgrounds and my husband served in the RAF for 22 years so the poppy does have a personal significance to us."

She added: "When I thought and considered the current serving soldiers, I really didn't know how I personally could show my support so I thought it might be poignant to design one for Prince Harry as he is the most high profile current serving soldier.

"The poppy is simple - light blue edge to represent Army Air Corp, red for the Remembrance Day tribute and green ribbon to signify the laurel of his unit badge.

Anne, originally from Canada, has also captured the imagination of people from that nation with orders forecast for that part of the world next year.

Each poppy costs £2, available from JobCentre Plus on Holton Road, and all proceeds go to the appeal.

Gift aid can be granted via www.justgiving.com/wewillremember