THIS is the mysterious patriot who put the “ahh” in Armistice Day by fixing a giant poppy onto the large “Basilwood” sign off the A127.

Bobby Baker, 15, created the emblem out of a large piece of wood then got up at 4am to attach it to the sign.

The youngster’s good deed warmed the hearts of motorists who passed the sign on Friday and saw the poppy sitting on the 5ft-high letter “B”.

Bobby, a member of Billericay Army Cadets, made the effort because he is huge supporter of the Armed Forces and hopes one day to serve in the Coldstream Guards like his great great grandad.

He said: “I did it because I think it’s so important to remember the heroes who gave their lives for us and those fighting now.”

Proud mum Annette, 36, of St Omer Close, Wickford, said: “We checked with a police officer that he wouldn’t be breaking any laws and he told us as long as we didn’t damage the sign in any way, or leave it there permanently, it would be ok.”

Bobby made the poppy with a little help from his ten-year-old brother Jamie.

He cut it out of a piece of wood with a jigsaw, before painting it bright red.

He even roped his dad Steven, 36, into giving him an early morning lift to the sign, off the Noak Bridge roundabout.

Annette added: “I’m proud of him for doing it. We were worried the council might get annoyed, but it seems everyone liked the idea.”