Model of spitfire The Cannock Chaser unveiled to mark Remembrance Day

The 8ft by 7ft moss sculpture of The Cannock Chaser was unveiled by ambassador for organisation Help a Squaddie Scott Yarrington at Hollybush Garden Centre and Aquaria in Shareshill.

Veterans of all ages and members of the public attended to view the sculpture, which is suspended in the air, being revealed and £300 was raised for Help a Squaddie, which helps veterans and their families in the Midlands.

The sculpture is a replica of The Cannock Chaser, a spitfire bought with funds raised by the people of Cannock during the Second World War.

Andy Sawyer, fundraising manager for Help a Squaddie, said: "The spitfire it was modelled on was called The Cannock Chaser, which was made in Castle Bromwich and bought with £6,000 raised by Cannock residents.

"Our ambassador Scott Yarrington, from Bloxwich, unveiled the model on Tuesday, he is a double amputee who was injured serving in the Irish Guards in Afghanistan in 2010.

"Scott has also won bronze at last year's Invictus Games playing wheelchair basketball.

"There were about 15 to 20 veterans and we had a veteran who is an official bugler for the Staffordshire Regiment.

"There were lots of children, we had our own children there who help us to raise funds, it was really nice to see so many children there to see the sculpture and meet Scott.

"The restaurant also gave all veterans a free meal, it was a fantastic day.

"People will be shopping there and see the model. It's just nice to see something locally with Remembrance Day coming up, and they've put so much effort in and it's got that local link too. It's absolutely superb."

The Spitfire Funds were launched in May 1940 and raised about £13 million - the equivalent of £650m today.

The people of Cannock raised £6,000 which was used to buy a Spitfire MK VB, which was built at Castle Bromwich.

It was christened The Cannock Chaser and flew with various squadrons before it crashed in 1943.

Help a Squaddie was set up in 2015 to help homeless veterans.

Mr Sawyer, of Cannock, added: "It's made massive progress since it was set up. It's a not-for-profit organisation and we've just gone for full charity status.

"We help house veterans and assist them with issues with as PTSD and we hold drop-in nights where veterans can get a hot meal and have a chat with like-minded people.

"It's a complete support unit and helps to reduce social isolation. We've got 25-year-old veterans right through to people who are 80.

"It's absolutely fantastic to see the difference that it makes."