A nine-year-old from Holbrook is using his artistic talents to raise funds for the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal, in its centenary year.

Ollie Bennett is raffling his depiction of no-mans land at Flanders Field which he has cleverly painted using images from World War One, and the poppies in 2021.

The thoughtful youngsters has inscribed the painting with the words: ''We must never forget their sacrifice, so we don't repeat the past."

The Holbrook primary school pupil, whose creative mum Aimee Gladden encouraged Ollie and his two brothers, Sebastian 11 and six years old Benjamin, during lockdown with a series of activities surrounding various artists.

"Ollie is a very thoughtful, sociable boy anyway, so I'm not surprised he has done this although it has surpassed all expectations," said Aimee.

"The school have been brilliant in encouraging him and other pupils to learn about the war and what it meant for families.

"When the school saw what he was doing they emailed all the other parents and many of the teachers donated.

"He also watched the Narnia Sagas which starts with the war and the children leaving home and we woke about how would have felt. Then he learned about the work the British Legion does and how it is not just about the past but the important work they do for service people and their families today."

Ollie said on his Just Giving page: "With remembrance day coming I wanted to do something to help raise money for the British Legion. I really enjoy painting and had the idea to create and sell a remembrance day painting to raise some money for the poppy appeal."

Raffle tickets are £2 each, the winner will be drawn at random on Friday and the winner will receive the unique, framed painting, signed by Ollie.

Ollie had originally wanted to make £50 for the RBL, but has already reached more than £750 and mum Aimee is delighted for her son.

"At first he was just looking to raise £20 but I suggested he aimed a bit higher and we went for £50. He raised £40 on the first day and he was chuffed with that.

"Since then it has just exposed. If we can get to £1,000, that would be amazing."

Ollie's Poppy Appeal Just Giving Page

Ollie has not long recovered from a broken arm, which curtailed his artistic endeavours during the summer holidays but has returned with enthusiasm.

Aimee said: "He broke it on the first day of holidays and although he tried using his other hand, he was unable to paint properly for three months so became frustrated.

"He is a very talented artist, although I would say that, he has done many the paintings, including one showing the trenches, which he was asked by his teacher to show the head."

As well as lessons at school, and from his creative mum, Ollie has studied YouTube videos and learnt various techniques to help him develop.

This creation is an acrylic painting with a black cut out overlay.

One of his previous paintings is of a field of flowers, which he painted to help cheer up his grandmother when she was sick in hospital.

Meanwhile, the Royal British Legion, which marks its 100th anniversary this year, has tried to keep pace with technology and, for the first time, introduced 5,000 card machines where volunteers can accept any payment, mostly in busy areas.

The Royal British Legion's Assistant Director of Fundraising , Simon O'Leary, said: "In a society that is fast becoming less dependent on cash, especially since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, its vital the RBL's Poppy Appeal is able to accept contactless donations.

"We've been steadily increasing the number of contactless units available each year and we try to use these devices as effectively as possible in high footfall areas.

"Every poppy counts, and we want to ensure as many people as possible can take part in Remembrance, therefore if you don't have cash or access to a contactless unit, you can still get your poppy and donate online, by text or QR code."

Here at Nub News we know that our massive family of readers are big supporters of the military and the welfare of our veterans and we turn out in our thousands for special Remembrance Day events in our communities.

Mr Ives said: "Our support is a lifeline for thousands of serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.

"This year, as we mark 100 years of the Royal British Legion, we celebrate the return of our Poppy Appeal collectors in local communities. Our volunteers help bring together our communities and create better futures for our Armed Forces and their families.

"They share our belief that no-one who has served to protect our freedom should be disadvantaged because of the sacrifices they have made."

Ollie's Poppy Appeal Just Giving Page

Remembrance service on the Shotley peninsula.

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