WWII plane drops poppies over Yeovil Published duration 29 October 2011

Thousands of poppies have been dropped from the skies above Yeovil by a World War II plane.

It was done to mark the start of this year's poppy appeal ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

The Fairey Swordfish - thought to be the only one left flying - had taken off from nearby RNAS Yeovilton and delivered its cargo over Middle Street.

Commodore Paul Chivers said it was really important remembrance was started in a proper fashion.

"The base is delighted to have provided the Swordfish to do the poppy drop and to remember all the people who have lost their lives - not just those from the two world wars but also from the Falklands and ongoing in Afghanistan.

"It's incredibly important to the local community and the number of servicemen who live in the area."