THE country's first Sikh poppy holder, designed in Derby, is to be sold across the country – in time for the launch of this year's Poppy Appeal.

Two cousins from Normanton were compelled to create the unique item to honour soldiers from their religion who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars.

After a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Kalwinder Singh Dhindsa and Jaz Rai found that despite poppy holders commemorating several different faiths, there was not one which represented Sikhism.

So they went back home, designed their own, and now, a year later, it is being stocked in the National Memorial Arboretum shop, and the pair have had requests for the holder from Sikhs across the country.

Mr Rai, committee member at the Guru Arjan Dev temple, in Stanhope Street, Derby, said he was impressed with the response.

He said: "We have had calls from Hampshire from people wanting to order the holder.

"We just thought there should be an option for Sikhs to mark the sacrifices made by Sikh soldiers in the war."

The wooden model is designed around the shape of the Khanda – a broadsword which is a prominent symbol of Sikhism – and features, at its centre, one of the famous poppies which are worn to mark Remembrance Day on November 11.

Mr Rai said: "That sword has two edges, one which represents spirituality, the other which indicates justice.

"It can be put in the ground as a commemorative marker or put somewhere at home."

The holder has been made available ahead of the launch of this year's Poppy Appeal in Derbyshire.

Each year the Royal British Legion announces a fresh donation appeal to help raise money for those affected or involved with the armed forces. Yesterday, the Derbyshire branch held an event in Chesterfield to launch this year's drive.

The event took place at Chesterfield FC's home stadium, along with members of the Royal British Legion Riders branch who arrived on their motorcycles with flags attached.

Last year, a total of £625,025 was raised in the county, beating the previous year's amount of £584,000 by more than £40,000. This year the charity is hoping to raise even more.

Also attending the event was Judith Wright, whose 21-year-old son, Tom, of Ripley, died in Afghanistan after a bomb exploded in June 2007 while he was serving in the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters.

Bernard Page, chairman of the Derbyshire branch of the Royal British Legion, said the money raised by the Poppy Appeal was used to support those who had been injured in conflict, along with their families. He said: "The launch of the Poppy Appeal in the county is to remind people that we are here to help all serving and ex-service personnel, and their dependants, and to encourage their generous donations during the next two weeks."