GCHQ staff come together to form giant poppy tribute

The giant poppy in GCHQ. Credit: SWNS

Staff at GCHQ have come together to help launch this year's Poppy Appeal by forming a giant flower in the centre of the famous building.

More than 1,400 spies at the Government's chief listening centre donned red ponchos and gathered in the inner ring of the giant doughnut-shaped building in Cheltenham.

They were joined by black-uniformed Royal Navy personnel who made up the centre of the 125-ft flower with others in combat gear formed the stem.

Staff members covered themselves in red ponchos to form the petals of the poppy. Credit: SWNS
Staff members covered themselves in red ponchos to form the petals of the poppy. Credit: SWNS
The giant poppy in GCHQ. Credit: SWNS

Those involved were invited to make a donation and raised £1,730.

The ponchos will now be donated to local scout groups as well as Bloodbikes, a charity providing out of hours emergency medical courier service.

GCHQ is one of the three UK intelligence and security agencies with MI5 and the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6).