A self-taught crocheter has put her new skills to work to raise funds for the Royal British Legion’s poppy appeal.

Michelle West, of Buckley, works as an administrator at SL Investment Management in Chester and has raised £158.35 by selling almost 100 crocheted poppies to workmates.

Michelle said: “I only started doing crochet a little over a year ago, I taught myself by using YouTube tutorials and a visual step-by-step book. I originally made 45 poppies to sell to my co-workers. These proved to be very popular and sold out in just over two days.

“However, people were still asking for more so I made more.”

“I decided to make the poppies because I wanted to raise money for The Poppy Appeal and love doing crochet. I have noticed people wearing similar handmade poppies in the past and thought I would have a go at making my own, trying to keep as close as possible to the traditional poppy that is used for The Poppy Appeal.

“It is my way of showing support to our troops, both past and present.”