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Scott & Bailey star Lesley Sharp turns jewellery designer as she reveals special range for Poppy charity shop

SCOTT & Bailey star Lesley Sharp has become a jewellery designer, launching her own line of bling.

The 60-year-old actress, who starred alongside Suranne Jones in the ITV detective drama, came up with the idea for the Royal British Legion's Poppy Shop.

Actress Lesley Sharp has launched her own jewellery range
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Actress Lesley Sharp has launched her own jewellery rangeCredit: ADRIAN POPE PHOTO

Her jewellery line is themed around wartime sweethearts, with the cash raised going to the historic Forces charity.

She said the inspiration for the pieces came from the love letters her dad wrote to her mum during World War Two.

Lesley said: "My father served in the Royal Scots Fusiliers for many years.

"It’s lovely to be able to do something that gives back to the Armed Forces, especially during these current times, when they are doing so much in the fight against the virus.”

The Forever In Our Hearts range raises funds for the 2020 Poppy Appeal
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The Forever In Our Hearts range raises funds for the 2020 Poppy AppealCredit: ADRIAN POPE PHOTO
The star alongside Suranne Jones in ITV drama Scott & Bailey
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The star alongside Suranne Jones in ITV drama Scott & BaileyCredit: ITV

“It’s been an incredible journey over these past few months during lockdown.

"I’ve spent a lot of time revisiting and drawing inspiration from the wonderful letters that my father wrote to my mother during World War Two and I’m looking forward to unveiling the new collection.”

 The Forever In Our Hearts range goes on sale on October 1 at .

The Sun this week launched a campaign to save the Poppy Appeal after coronavirus has stopped 12,000 vulnerable sellers taking part this year.

The Sun is asking caring readers to save this year's Poppy Appeal
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The Sun is asking caring readers to save this year's Poppy AppealCredit: Getty

How to be a poppy star

THE pandemic may have stopped thousands of sellers from hitting the streets — but it doesn’t have to stop you from buying a poppy. MIKE RIDLEY looks at some of the ways you can do your bit for the appeal by going to:

  1. Fundraise for appeal: Move to Remember and the 11/11 Challenge are among the fundraising suggestions from the appeal itself. Free fundraising packs on the website will give the help and support you will need.
  2. Poppies in the post: Help make up for the reduced number of volunteer collectors by requesting 20 poppies free of charge from the RBL — and then giving them to friends and family yourself in return for a donation.
  3. My poppy run 2020: Run, walk or jog any distance, anywhere and at any time. Get family and friends involved to raise cash. And buy a T-shirt to run in and a medal to give to yourself afterwards!
  4. Visit the poppy shop: There is an extensive range of products from poppy pins and jewellery to clothing, stationery and homeware. All profits fund the Legion’s work in supporting the Armed Forces community.
  5. Make online donation: Alternatively, you could just visit the British Legion’s website and make a donation. You can choose a one-off payment or set up a regular amount — and no amount is too small.

…OR POP INTO YOUR LOCAL SAINSBURY’S, TESCO, ASDA, ALDI OR MORRISONS AND BUY A POPPY

Stars including David Beckham, Anthony Joshua and Captain Tom Moore have called for people to boost the coffers online instead.

You can help with online and contactless donations, and Becks, 45, said: “Since I was a boy I have always worn a poppy with pride every year.

“It makes me remember my grandfather who always gave me my poppy and it’s a tradition I have kept up with my own children.

"In these difficult times I hope everyone goes online, remembers those who sacrificed so much for us all and supports this year’s appeal.”