WREATHS from Liskeard were placed aboard a special “Poppies to Paddington” train as it came through the town’s station early this morning.

Mayor Rachel Brooks was joined by town councillor Simon Cassidy and representatives of Liskeard Royal British Legion, HMS Raleigh, The Royal Naval Association and veterans to meet the 0615 GWR Service as it called at Liskeard station.

The train, recently named in honour of D-Day veteran Harry Billinge, had started its Remembrance Day journey in Penzance, and stopped at St Austell, where Harry was able to place his wreath onboard.

With many Remembrance events in the capital and around the region suspended because of the pandemic, GWR and The Veterans Charity have been coordinating with organisations including the Royal British Legion and The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) to place wreaths on board early-morning services heading to London today.

Local authorities and military bases are also taking part in the operation and more than 100 wreaths are expected to arrive at Paddington during the course of the morning.

These will be placed at the station’s war memorial on Platform 1 in time for the Remembrance Day service at 1100.

GWR’s Head of Communications Dan Panes said:

“We all know how much change the pandemic has brought to everyone’s lives but we are determined Remembrance Day should be marked in the best way possible.

“Poppies to Paddington allows all those organisations who would usually be present for the Remembrance services at London Paddington and around the region to pay tribute to the fallen by laying a wreath. We are proud to be able to help in this way.”

A Royal British Legion spokesperson said:

“In the year that marked 75 years since VE Day and VJ Day, the Legion is remembering the contribution of every member of our Armed Forces who stepped up to defend our way of life then, and those who continue to do so today, whatever the threat.

“Although we acknowledge that Remembrance will not be the same and communities cannot come together as they usually do at this time of year, it is still important to provide people with a safe outlet to pay tribute and as the champions of Remembrance, we are grateful to the GWR for helping people pay tribute.”