A sailor from Newtown has helped the Royal Navy launch this year's Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Cryptographic Technician Rhys Edkins, 20, was keen to inspire people to wear their poppies, despite the challenges of the coronavirus outbreak, and remember those in whose footsteps he and his colleagues at HMS Collingwood are following.

One of Rhys’ inspirations is his grandfather, Robert Hemming, who served in the Royal Air Force during World War Two and who passed away in 2014.

Mr Hemming was an Aircraft Engineer who helped design and build the swinging gun turret on the Avro Lancaster Bomber, giving this iconic heavy bomber impressive defence capabilities.

Originally planning to join the RAF, Rhys was tempted by the prospect of worldwide travel and instead opted for the Royal Navy, where a love of languages led him into military Cryptology, a vital intelligence-gathering role onboard ship.

As the only member of his year at Oswestry School to join the Royal Navy, Rhys has already proved himself aboard HMS Lancaster but is also hoping to take his skills shore-based, perhaps in the United States, in the future.

Remembering his grandfather as he launched this year’s Poppy Appeal, Rhys said: “I think he would have been so proud to see me today, even though I didn’t follow him into the RAF!

"The Poppy Appeal is important across all the Forces because it’s vital to remember those who sacrificed their lives so we can live our lives today. I’m really happy and proud to be involved.”