Conmen selling poppies

Poppies have been sold fraudulently on the streets of Staffordshire in a shameless attempt to cash in on the Royal British Legion's annual charity appeal.

Official poppy sales do not start until October 26 but unwitting members of the public have already been approached in Cannock.

Legion members have received reports of a young man approaching shoppers claiming to be selling poppies for the appeal.

Now branch officials are warning people to only buy from reputable shops and sellers.

Cannock police have been informed of the fraud which the Legion believes was carried out on Monday.

Sheila Dunning, who is organising the poppy sale in the Cannock area, said: "It is degrading how low some people will sink."

Derek Ellison, who co-ordinates the Hednesford poppy sale, added: "This person is taking money away from the soldiers and families who we support.

Official poppy sellers have a badge on their shoulder."