NEWTON Abbot businesses and traders are being encouraged to decorate their premises and take part in a window display competition organised by the town’s Royal British Legion branch.

The competition will form part of this year’s Poppy Appeal, which begins on Thursday, October 22, and runs through to Armistice Day on November 11.

Displays will be judged on the morning of Saturday, November 7, with the winning business receiving a cup and runners-up presented with certificates.

Chairman of the Newton Abbot Branch of the Royal British Legion, Dave Cair, said: ‘The window competition is something we started around three years ago to try to get the community more involved in Remembrance, and it’s been fantastic to see how enthusiastically people have taken it up.

‘Last year we had around 25 shops taking part, including the charity shops, and we are hoping for a similar number this year.

‘There is certainly a bit of healthy rivalry between the businesses, which is great to see, but ultimately it is about getting people thinking about Remembrance and encouraging the whole community to get involved.

‘The windows do look fantastic, and some of the displays in the past have been particularly personal and meaningful.

‘It’s wonderful to see businesses across Newton Abbot getting behind it and helping to make Remembrance such an important part of the town’.

There is no formal entry process, but businesses taking part are asked to notify the branch by emailing [email protected].

Businesses wanting poppy-related items for their displays can contact [email protected].

Donations to the Poppy Appeal are also welcomed.

The branch is also on the lookout for volunteers to help with collections; those wanting to volunteer with the Legion should also email [email protected].