A MYSTERY patriot put put his own take on Armistice Day by fixing a giant poppy to the Basildon sign.

Motorists driving passed the well-known landmark were touched by the warm-hearted act of remembrance on Friday.

The massive red poppy was placed on the 5ft high letter “B” in the early hours of Friday.

Councillor Malcolm Buckley, councillor responsible for the environment at Basildon Council, said: “Although we wouldn’t condone this sort of thing normally, I think pretty much all of us were chuffed to see the poppy there.

“As a borough we sadly lost people in both world wars and, of course, most recent conflicts and local residents always come out to remember them.”

Did you put the poppy on the Basildon sign? Call the newsdesk on 01268 469308.