British agri-machinery giant JCB has auctioned a unique digger for the Royal British Legion, which supports the Armed Forces, for £25,500.
The Staffordshire-based company auctioned a 16C-1 mini excavator in poppy livery for the Royal British Legion which raised £25,500. It was bought by JCB customer Arnold Plant Hire Limited, of Stockport.
The auction total was announced by JCB Chairman Lord Bamford as the company hosted the Staffordshire Poppy Appeal Launch at its World HQ in Staffordshire.
An art installation which holds 255 ceramic poppies and a special roll of honour were also unveiled at the event, which was attended by Chelsea Pensioners.
Lord Bamford said: “As a nation we must never forget the debt we owe to the Great War generation, and this year is our opportunity to say ‘Thank You’. Many people who work at JCB had forebears who fought, and in many cases died, in World War I.
“So many families were torn apart by that awful conflict, so it’s important that we not only say thank you, but that we also do no forget.”
Last year, an artist decorated a tractor with poppies she had shaped and painted herself in time for Remembrance Weekend.
Caroline Jones, from Widnes in Cheshire, decorated a Nuffield Tractor to remember those who served during the first and second world wars, and in particular for the Women’s Land Army.
