MP Natalie Elphicke read the poem Where the Scarlet Poppies Grow and laid a wreath at the Royal British Legion’s Dover branch Centenary Service.

This was at St Mary's in Castro Church at Dover Castle on Saturday.

The service was dedicated to the work of the RBL in helping former Armed Forces personnel and their families, from just after the First World War to now.

With the Dover MP were Dover and Deal mayors Gordon Cowan and Christopher Turner plus RBL branch chairman Gary Gunner. Padre Malcolm Sawyer officiated.

Mrs Elphicke said of the service: “The Royal British Legion does tremendous work, nationally and locally. It is a remarkable and enduring commitment to the servicemen and women of our country.

"The Dover White Cliffs branch was established in first founding year of the British Legion in 1921. It continues to provide support and friendship to so many.

“The poem is a moving reminder to the universal sacrifice made by rich and poor, town and countryfolk from across the whole of the United Kingdom to fight for their freedoms, and in doing so to gift us ours.

"It rightly tasks us with supporting the Poppy Appeal and the work of the British Legion in looking after the living heroes, as well as honouring those who have passed away.

“We will all continue to honour the brave men and women who have fought to protect our rights and freedoms.

"We must also continue to respect, thank and support everyone who steps forward and does their duty today and every day.”

Where the Scarlet Poppies Grow was written by Evelena F. Todd in the early 1920s, especially for the then new Dover RBL branch.

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