Stan Kaye, of Holme Wood, Holme, started the ­Remember World War One in 2014 ­Facebook group earlier this year, urging people to plant poppies in their gardens or workplaces.

Within weeks, hundreds of ­people from around the world signed up to view the page.

Following a cheeky letter to Buckingham Palace, Mr Kaye has received a reply with Queen Elizabeth II’s “best wishes” for the campaign.

The letter from the royal household said: “The Queen has asked me to thank you for your letter telling Her Majesty of your idea to commemorate the forthcoming 100th anniversary of the start of World War One.

“It was lovely to know that there has been so much interest in and support for your initiative, and the Queen has asked me to send you her good wishes.”

Mr Kaye said: “I wrote a letter to the Queen, asking her if I could plant poppies in her garden.

“I added information about the Facebook page. I knew she wouldn’t let me plant any poppies in the garden but I’m gobsmacked that she replied to the letter.

“Although I know she wouldn’t be able to endorse the plan, it means a lot that she sends it her best wishes.”

The 60-year-old also sent letters to Prince Charles and Prime Minister David Cameron and has received a letter from Number 10 saying his letter was under consideration.

To get the planting off to a flying start in the region, Alconbury Hill seed firm Unwins/Marshalls has donated 1,500 packets of poppy seeds to schools in East Anglia after hearing about the plans.