A host of black Christmas trees are being put up in shops and businesses in north Suffolk this festive season to raise funds for the Poppy Appeal.

The Stradbroke branch of the Royal British Legion launched the unusual Christmas decorations last year and are hoping more local companies and organisations get involved in 2011.

The initiative aims to raise public awareness of the needs of Britain's ex-service men and women of all ages, and their dependents during the festive season.

The Stradbroke campaign, which has also been joined by Royal British Legion branches at Fressingfield and Hoxne, also aims to highlight that the Poppy Appeal continues all year round.

Some of the businesses taking part so far include the Barclays bank branch in Eye, Eye Health Centre, and the Pat Lewis Garage in Palgrave. The black trees have also been decorated with red poppies.