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One-thousand hand-knitted poppies have been donated to the Royal British Legion thanks to the hard work of Cefn Hengoed resident Susan Cullen.

Susan, 59, began knitting poppies four years ago after being inspired by other people’s work on Facebook.

It soon became an annual tradition for Susan, who is a keen knitter and crocheter.

“Each one takes around half an hour to make before I begin stitching them,” said Susan.

“When I first started, I never thought I’d be making 1,000 in a year – but it’s for a good cause.”

The 1,000 poppies knitted by Susan just this year alone include purple poppies to recognise the animals who have been lost during conflict.

Susan, who works at Tesco in Ystrad Mynach, said she has been spurred on by positive feedback.

“Family and friends love it,” Susan said, “My kids have told me they’re very proud of me”.