A DORSET Police car has been covered in poppies for the third year running.

The vehicle will be part of Bournemouth’s Remembrance Day service on November 11.

Then from Monday, November 12, the car will be on patrol across North Dorset and will keep the design for the next three weeks.

Officers from across the county will also be attending ceremonies and laying wreaths to remember those who died in conflict.

Money raised in Dorset will go towards the Royal British Legion’s national fundraising target of £50million, the highest ever set.

Dorset Police Chief Constable, James Vaughan, said: “Each year the support for our poppy car has grown and we receive hundreds of positive comments from serving and retired army personnel, and the public.

“I am pleased that we are yet again able to show our support to the armed forces in such a public way, particularly as we mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

“We hope that the car will encourage people to go out and buy a poppy ahead of this year’s Remembrance Day and actively engage with the Royal British Legion’s campaign.”

The Legion uses public donations to provide crisis grants, offer children of armed forces personnel adventure breaks, research the impact of blast injuries on the body, lobby the government on key issues and advise on benefits and money problems.

Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “The poppy car commemorates the service and sacrifice made by all members of the British armed forces.

“However, this year I feel it is particularly appropriate and poignant to remember the officers and staff of Dorset Police who gave their lives in battle in the First World War. The sacrifice of officers like William Alfred Painter, who was a police constable in Wareham before he joined up to serve his country.

“We must never forget the bravery and courage shown by so many during the First World War and this year I would personally like to dedicate the poppy car to officers like William Painter and indeed to all the emergency service staff who have given their lives in battle. The poppy car is a small token of remembrance from grateful colleagues.”