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With less than two weeks to prepare, staff at a Darlington pub are working around the clock to create a memorable fundraising event when a travelling 3D poppy arrives in the town this Friday.
The Springfield Hotel on Salters Lane South is one of Marston's "hero pubs" in a nationwide charity drive taking a giant 3D poppy to pubs across seven regions.
The poppy will arrive from the Crows Nest in Seaham at midday on Friday, October 23, and stay at the Springfield until 3pm before moving on to The White Heifer That Travelled in Darlington.
During its stay, the pub will host bingo, a charity raffle and performances of wartime and veteran-themed songs by Jenna Highfield.
Organisers are also hoping the Salvation Army choir will be on hand to welcome the poppy when it arrives.
Owner Michelle Featonby, 41, said preparations had been a whirlwind after being given little notice of the event.
She said: "We only found out last Tuesday so it's been quite a rush. By Wednesday afternoon we had a few ideas and they've just grown and grown.
"I'm someone who wants to pull out all the stops when we get given something like this.
"We contemplated getting the police to close the road and have an open-back vehicle transfer it so we could stand in the back, all dressed up, waving at everyone, but in the end it's just been slightly too short notice."
Participating pubs have been urged to take the poppy to its next stop in an unusual way, with venues using everything from motorbikes to ice cream vans.
The Springfield plans to continue the military theme by taking the poppy on in a 1980s Land Rover styled as a veteran vehicle, while staff wear military-inspired clothes.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy an afternoon tea buffet for a minimum £5 donation, with all proceeds going towards the fundraising effort.
Among those invited is guest of honour Harold, a resident at The Grange Care Home who is approaching his 107th birthday.
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After learning of a community campaign to send him 107 birthday cards, the pub invited him along as guest of honour for the event.
The event promises to be a fitting tribute to veterans while raising money for a worthy cause, with organisers hoping the community will come together to give the travelling poppy a warm Darlington welcome.
Residents are invited to attend the afternoon of entertainment, fundraising and remembrance as the giant poppy makes its brief stop at The Springfield Hotel on Friday.