North East Ambulance Service is marking the centenary of the end of the First World War with the images of poppies on some of its vehicle fleet.

The organisiation covers 3,200 square miles across the North East region. It employs more than 2,600 staff and serves a population of 2.7 million people.

Its fleet covers, on average, 14 million miles each year with one emergency ambulance covering between 55,000 and 75,000 miles a year.

“This war is said to have touched the lives of families in every village and town in the country and its impact is still being felt today.

“The occasion of its centenary means a lot to people and we felt that it was appropriate to mark this occasion on some of our vehicles as an important milestone.

“Feedback has already been flooding in and I our staff have said they are extremely proud to drive those vehicles,” said Mark Cotton, assistant director of communications and engagement at the NHS Foundation Trust.

The idea came forwards from David Parkin who works in the Trust’s fleet department. He was formerly in the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers (REME) for 22 years, serving as a staff sergeant vehicle mechanic.

“With it being the 100th year anniversary, I thought it was important to show our support to the Royal British Legion and all of the service men and women and volunteers who have lost their lives through conflict. We hope that by being placed on ambulances, they should be seen by people from across our region,” said Parkin.

The poppies will be visible for the next few weeks and the Trust is encouraging people who spot them to share their pictures by messaging the service’s Facebook page.