Legion appeal as eBay sellers cash in on poppies

The gold-plated Buckley Poppy Brooch, inlaid with Swarovski crystal, has sold out on the RBL's website but at least 20 were attracting bids on eBay yesterday.

One sold on the auction site last night for 175, while another had attracted a 62 bid by mid-morning.

Some carried an accompanying note claiming that 10 per cent of the winning bid would be donated to the RBL.

A note on the RBL's Poppy Shop web page advertising the brooch reads: "Due to the overwhelming popularity of this item we are not able to guarantee delivery before remembrance on any new orders placed."

A spokeswoman said: "We obviously cannot stop people doing it, but we hope everyone who does sell a poppy on an online auction site makes a donation to the Royal British Legion."