A poppy knitting project has been given the royal seal of approval.

Josie Lawrence, who lives at Hillbeck Residential Home in Bearsted, has made more than 100 of the iconic red flowers – smashing her original target.

The 87-year-old set herself the challenge to create 50 poppies to mark Remembrance Day, but had excess wool and kept going. The extra poppies are being sold to residents and visitors at the care home.

She moved to the Hillbeck, which specialises in Alzheimer’s and dementia, around three years ago.

She loved the idea after activities co-ordinator, Anthea Bowen, spoke about knitting poppies for the Poppy Appeal and created her own design.

After knitting 115 for the appeal, staff sent a letter and a sample poppy to Her Majesty The Queen, who responded, thanking Mrs Lawrence for her work.

The letter added: “The Queen thought it was very kind of you to enclose a beautifully crafted poppy created by Mrs Lawrence for Her Majesty to see.”

Jan Moulton, care home manager, said: “Josie had great big balls of wool and the intention was to knit 50 as we thought this may be too much for her, she just kept going until she had finished all of the wool.

“We are extremely proud of Josie, this is a great achievement. Just because you live in a care home it doesn’t mean you cannot still achieve goals and aspirations – Josie has proved you can.”