Lymington sculptor's Armistice Day poppy hunt

Michael Turner said he created 11 poppies because it was a "poignant number" for Armistice Day

A sculptor created 11 stainless steel poppies and sent strangers on a treasure hunt to find them to mark Armistice Day in Hampshire.

Michael Turner hid his glazed creations around Lymington and posted clues to their whereabouts on his Facebook page.

The sculptor posted photographs of where he had hidden the poppies on his Facebook page

He asked those who found them to make a donation to the Royal British Legion.

The artist said he came up with the idea after his parents gave him a box of World War Two memorabilia which had belonged to his grandfathers.

He said he had also been inspired by last year's ceramic poppies art installation at the Tower of London.

Memorabilia in the box included medals, photographs and a certificate of outstanding service.

"It had quite a big impact on me just how much they went through," Mr Turner said.

He created 11 poppies because it was a "poignant number" for Armistice Day, which marks the end of World War One on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month each year.

He said he did not want to benefit "in any way", and instead said it was "about sending a message".

Schoolgirl Edie Keates plans to make a donation using her own savings

Sian Morris, who found the first of the poppies, said: "So pleased to have found such a beautiful piece of artwork, especially something with such meaning. Just going to make my donation now."

Annabel Cook said her 10-year-old daughter Edie Keates, who found another of the sculptures, was "thrilled" and was going to make a donation from her own savings.

The artist said he came up with the idea after his parents gave him a box of World War Two memorabilia which had belonged to his grandfathers