The Angel of the North dons a giant poppy to commemorate the launch of the British Legion's poppy appeal.

Volunteers from The Royal British Legion placing the giant poppy next to the Angel of the North Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

A giant poppy has been positioned in front of the iconic Angel of the North today, 24th October.

The enlarged poppy, which is worn to commemorate the sacrifices of the Armed Forces, has been flanked by three volunteers, including 17-year-old Abbie Moore from Cramlington.

She is fundraising for The Royal British Legion in memory of her father, Michael, who passed away last year and served for 15 years in the TA at Kingston Park:

The other two volunteers are Lieutenant Colonel Ian Hargreaves and RSM John Stephenson of 2 Signal Regiment.

For the past two years 30 soldiers from the Royal Signals have visited the North East for four-days to fundraise and to date have raised more than£45,000 to fund their welfare work for Armed Forces families.

This year they are hoping to break their record by raising £50,000 and will be collecting throughout the North East in Newcastle, Gateshead's Metro Centre and Sunderland's Stadium of Light.