A BIG help is being given to the Forever Poppy replacement fund later this year.

Royal Wootton Bassett's RFC Sausage and Cider Festival is helping it to raise some money at its next event.

Tom Patterson who is behind the fund is trying to raise £300,000 to replace the marble poppy which collapsed in 2017.

He said: "The Rugby Football Club approached us to see if we would be happy for donations and funds raised at the next festival will be given to the poppy replacement.

"It made me feel amazing because there's been a bit of negativity towards our plan to replace the poppy."

The creator of the original Mark Humphrey announced last month he is a stronger replica for free as soon as a site is confirmed.

This has caused some controversy as there could end up being two.

But Tom still plans on going ahead with raising the money to build a similar poppy.

The festival which was supposed to be on April 24 is now being postponed until September because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Chris Elias is the chairman of RFC, he said: "It's such a high profile sculpture for Bassett and the RFC has such a close connection with the forces, many of our members are ex-army and RAF, so we're delighted to support this appeal."