Having read Francis Pawley's letter ("Let us have a choice", Mailbox, November 11) perhaps I can clarify the situation regarding the Animals' Purple Poppy.

This was introduced a number of years ago by a Tonbridge-based campaigning organisation called Animal Aid (which is in no way connected with the local animal rescue centre bearing a similar name).

The purple poppy has been designed to wear alongside the traditional red poppy, to commemorate animals who have lost their lives as a result of human conflict.

The animals' purple poppy campaign is not meant, in any way, to detract from the outstanding work undertaken by the Royal British Legion on behalf of all those affected by war.

While I expect that it will be a little too late to obtain a poppy for this year, purple poppies can be ordered from Animal Aid, The Old Chapel, Bradford Street, Tonbridge, TN9 1AW (telephone 01732 364 546), for a suggested donation of £1.

They can also be purchased via their website on:

www.animalaid.org.uk

Linda J Bodicoat, Earl Shilton.