WITH Covid-19 impacting the sale of poppies ahead of Remembrance Day, a Warrington MP has urged the public to 'download a poppy' and donate online instead.

Conservative MP for Warrington South, Andy Carter, said the virus restrictions could majorly impact the Royal British Legion's annual poppy collection.

He asked Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg: "I wonder if he will join with me in encouraging everyone to log online to the Royal British Legion's website and download a poppy and donate so that the work of the Royal British Legion can continue to support both veterans and their families?"

Responding, Mr Rees-Mogg said: "Poppy sellers are such a wonderful part of the fabric of our nation.

"They are such a varied group of people who have such a commitment to remembering those who gave their lives to ensure that we could live in freedom.

"And therefore my honourable friend is right to say that people should go to the website and donate that way if they can't do what they would usually do."

On Armistice Day on Wednesday, MPs will hold a special debate in the Commons on the armed forces and their contribution to society.

Warrington's traditional outdoor event at the Cenotaph was cancelled last month due to the pandemic.

Its replacement at St Elphin’s Parish Church - for a small number of civic leaders, war veterans and armed forces members – has also been cancelled for safety reasons due to the national lockdown.

Residents and veterans are now being encouraged to pay their respects at home.