MP enlists 10-ton truck to aid Black Country poppy mission
A Black Country MP has enlisted some serious hardware to aid his mission to install large poppies across part of a borough to commemorate Remembrance Sunday.
Dudley North MP Marco Longhi will be driving through his constituency in a 10.5-ton Second World War truck, stopping off along the way to attach poppies to lampposts.
Mr Longhi, who is raising funds for the Royal British Legion, said the gesture would commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women of the two World Wars and later conflicts.
He said: "I would like thank residents for their support. The Royal British Legion need all the support they can get during these difficult times.
"Despite the lockdown I wanted to ensure that our military and civilian servicemen and women are remembered.
"The truck will help not only with the installation of poppies due to its height, but we also plan to visit some local care homes so those that are constrained to stay inside can feel part of the commemoration.
"Due to the lockdown it will be a very different event this year, but I encourage residents to lookout of their windows on Saturday afternoon as we pass by with the truck."
The truck, which is owned by Richard Price and his father Mick, is a Scammell Pioneer recovery tractor from 1943, which was used to transport tanks during the conflict.
Its planned route starts at Ednam Road at 12pm, before visiting the Barchester-Broadway Halls care home on The Broadway, Nith Place, Salop Street, Highland Road, Burton Road, Kent Street, Clarence Street, Dudley Road, Sedgley Bullring and Tipton Road.
