THE HMS Prince of Wales was turned into a racetrack last week to launch Poppyscotland’ latest fundraising challenge.

The ‘Big Poppy Bounce’ aims to raise thousands of pounds to help veterans bounce back into civilian life in the build up to Armed Forces Day in June.

Naval officers and crew from HMS Prince of Wales, together with members of the Babcock engineering team, are working round the clock to put the finishing touches to the Royal Navy’s new 65,000-tonne flagship aircraft carrier in Rosyth but took time out to race the 280 metres along the flight deck for the launch.

The event is a sponsored space-hopper challenge for all the family and a series of races will take place in Edinburgh’s Inverleith Park on June 15 as well anywhere else in the country where supporters choose to organise and run their own bounce.

Poppyscotland’s head of fundraising, Gordon Michie, said: “Armed Forces Day takes place in June and this is a chance for the public to get behind our brave men and women who make up the Armed Forces community.

“Poppyscotland exists to support those who have served, those still serving and their families and the Big Poppy Bounce will help our veterans bounce back into civilian life. We are encouraging families, youth groups, schools and friends across Scotland to join us at Inverleith Park on June 15 or to organise their own Big Poppy Bounce event during the month of June.

“We can provide some space hoppers and then it’s up you as to how you want to bounce. For example, you could have a bounce race over 100 metres, or challenge people to guess how many bounces you can rack up in five or even 10 minutes.

“You can hold your event at your school, your work or your local hall – or you could try something more adventurous like we’ve done … but just make sure you don’t bounce overboard!”

For more information, or to sign up for the Big Poppy Bounce, visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/bounce or email events@poppyscotland.org.uk.