A unusual variety of Christmas tree is springing up around a north Suffolk village to help serving military personnel and veterans.

Members of the Stradbroke branch Royal British Legion have launched the black Christmas trees at shops, schools and businesses in the area to generate extra funding for the Poppy Appeal.

The black trees, decorated with poppies, red lights and tinsel, aim to give an extra financial boost to the charity over the festive season.

Joyce Cooper, the Stradbroke branch's welfare officer, who came up with the idea, said the Poppy Appeal was more than just one day of the year.

'It is a new idea and we are hoping it will roll out across the country next year. We need money all year round and I know the head office at the Royal British Legion are quite interested,' she said.

Black Christmas trees of between 4ft and 2ft have been distributed to Stradbroke Post Office, the Spar Shop, Stradbroke Swimming Pool, Horham Post Office, and Stradbroke Business and Enterprise College. Organisers are hoping more businesses will also get involved.

Mrs Cooper said monetary gifts were needed all year round to support serving and ex-servicemen and women and their families.

Stradbroke resident Private James Grigg, 21, was killed in an explosion in Afghanistan whilst serving with the Royal Anglian Regiment earlier this year.