Pair’s novel tribute to Land Army in aid of Royal British Legion

Manager of Newcross care home in Wolverhampton, Shirley Gibbs, aged 57, came up with the idea to complete the laps dressed as Land Army Girls to mark November 11.

Shirley, from Cannock, said: "Because of the Covid restrictions there hasn't been the same amount of traffic coming through the site to sell poppies to to raise money.

"I came up with the idea one evening for us to dress up as Land Army Girls to do the 111 laps, I like dressing up, it's fun and draws attention for fundraising and it's perfect for the day as it reflects the armed forces."

Shirley was joined by deputy manager Jenna Hughes, whose husband is in The Royal Engineers and loaned the pair belts for their costumes.

The duo have been fundraising through JustGiving and sharing it on Facebook, as well as taking in donations on the day, raising more than £140.

Residents of Newcross care home have been eagerly watching Shirley and Jenna complete their laps.

Shirley added: "We have to come through the building during each lap, all of the residents have been commenting on how nice we look.

"One gentleman was even telling us stories about his time in the war and the ladies who used to dress like us, it's been bringing back a lot of good memories.

"It's been a big family affair today, one of our kitchen staff has knitted poppies, residents have painted stones for a memorial and made tissue paper poppies as well as taking part in a two minutes silence.

"We have a number of residents who live here who served in the armed forces, so this is a mark of respect."