A RETIRING Army chief has been given a fitting tribute for his work in the community - and the chance to join in with an historic fundraiser.

Catterick Garrison commander Colonel Stephen Padgett joined students from Risedale Sports and Community College and pupils from Hipswell Primary School making ceramic poppies for the British Legion.

More than 600 of the planned 1,000 poppies have been created by students, which will form a sea of colour in the college quad, a North Yorkshire version of that seen at the Tower of London.

Col Padgett, who has been chair of governors at Risedale for a number of years, was invited to join Year 3 and 4 Hipswell Primary School pupils at college as they made poppies for the inspirational act of remembrance.

But before he started work on his own poppy he was presented with another, sitting atop an oak plinth, commemorating his work with the college.

“I will remember many things about my time at Catterick Garrison and one of the most delightful things will be everyone at Risedale,” he said.

“I have been very impressed with everyone at the school and have been in awe of their dedication and commitment as they strive to give young people a future.”