FOR the fifth successive year, Knights of Sidmouth has won top prize in the Royal British Legion s Poppy Appeal window display contest.

FOR the fifth successive year, Knights of Sidmouth has won top prize in the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal window display contest.

Branch president Eileen Hodges presented the George Hodges Shield to Graham Liverton from the store, who designed and dressed its two windows.

This year he chose to honour Sir Winston Churchill "because I think he should be celebrated, he was a wonderful war leader," said Mr Liverton.

He said this year minds were centred on those soldiers who had lost their lives in Afghanistan.

Mr Liverton attended the Exmouth Remembrance Sunday parade this year, where 150 wreaths were laid, including one for HMS Charybdis, which his grandfather William served on.

For the first time this year, a silver cup was awarded to a section especially for small shops participating in Sidmouth's window display.

This was won by the Hospiscare shop and area manager Sharon Green accepted the trophy with assistant manager Pat Northcott.

Sharon said: "There were two Royal Marine outfits and a sea of poppies and a wreath in the window. It was all military, no merchandising."

She said the charity shop had always taken part in the Legion's Poppy Appeal window display and was delighted to be the first winner of the new cup.

Mrs Hodges and town council chairman, Councillor Peter Sullivan, judged the competing shops and, said Mr Sullivan: "I was very impressed with the shops that were involved."

Mrs Hodges, who gave the shield in memory of her late husband, said: "I was disappointed at the number of shops that entered. There were only six and last year there were 11.

"It is difficult times and people are looking at different ways to cut back. We will be looking to encourage more to take part next year.