The Leader of the House of Commons, Mark Spencer MP, visited The Poppy Factory on Monday - June 20 – to mark its centenary this year.

The visit coincided with Armed Forces Week, which is a chance to celebrate members of our armed forces, past and present, who risk their lives to protect the UK both at home and overseas.

While visiting, Mr Spencer learned about the support the organisation and its volunteers provide to veterans, which includes working with the NHS and mental health services to provide help, including with finding employment.

The Poppy Factory is currently highlighting the sometimes forgotten service personnel who fought in the Falklands War through some new exhibits. These include contributions from Sara Jones CBE, whose husband Lieutenant-Colonel H Jones was killed in action during the Battle of Goose Green.

Sara went on to become a Trustee and later President of The Poppy Factory.

An artillery shell casing picked up from the battlefield in Port Stanley is also featured in the exhibition. It was brought home by former soldier Paul Clayton, who developed post-traumatic stress disorder from his experiences in The Falklands.

Paul, who was recently supported back into employment, said: "It took me a long time to get back to the point I'm at now. The Poppy Factory helped in lots of ways.

"I held on to the shell casing for 40 years and I'm pleased to finally see on display, where visitors will see it and remember what we went through in the Falklands. A lot of people didn't come back on both sides."

The Falklands showcase is completed by an original copy of the Falkland Islands Review, signed by former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and donated by Lord Lee of Trafford, who served as Defence Minister in the immediate aftermath of the conflict.

Speaking about the visit, Mr Spencer said: "It has been incredible to hear about the amazing work of the Poppy Factory and learn about its history, in its centenary year. I even had a go at making a poppy myself!

"I saw firsthand the craftsmanship of those veterans who work at the factory and create the iconic wreaths we see up and down the country every 11 November and encourage everyone to come and visit to see the factory for yourself, so we can continue to support as many veterans as possible.

"We must all reflect on the sacrifices made by those who serve our country and keep us safe, not just on Armed Forces Week but every week so that we repay the debt we owe them all."