Poppies painted on roads in Newport and Caerphilly

Roman Roadmarking has painted poppies on the roads across Newport and Caerphilly – including at the war memorial on High Street.

Managing director Matt Stanton said the poppy on High Street was the first of 13 to be installed in Newport ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

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“Last year, we did poppies in Cardiff for Remembrance Day. People said it was a lovely idea and wanted to do something here in Newport,” he said.

Last year, the Newport-based company painted ‘Diolch Yn Fawr – Thank you NHS’ messages on the main routes used by ambulances and hospital staff travelling to Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital, and now, they worked with the council to install the special road markings for free.

“In recognition of what’s happening [on Thursday], they asked us if we could put it in front of the memorial on High Street,” said Mr Stanton. “And they asked if we can install more on the route to the Cenotaph.

The poppy on the road in front of the war memorial on High Street in Newport. Picture: Matt Stanton.

“It’s something to give back to the city, make the city look special, and remember the veterans and current serving forces.”

As well as in Newport, the company will also install 40 poppies on the roads across Caerphilly County Borough.

On Thursday, the Royal British Legion is being bestowed the Freedom of the City in recognition and appreciation of their long and loyal service to the country.