A Royal Marine veteran of D-Day and re-enactors dressed in Second World War costume helped to raise over £300 for the Poppy Appeal at a 1940s day at Saks hairdressers in Saffron Walden.

Albert (real name Herbert) Ketch, who was 17 at the time of the Normandy landings, having lied about his age to join the war. Mr Ketch was there in full marine dress uniform on Saturday. Now, 89, he said he was glad to support the day.

The event involved the whole Saks team in period costume, either military or civilian. The salon was decorated with poppies, Union Jacks, St George’s flags and posters from the war years. Other memorabilia included wartime hairdressing equipment and products, packets of food, gas masks and ARP Warden equipment.

These were loaned by one of Saks’ clients, David Pavitt, who is a re-enactor and dressed as a 1940s RAF police officer. Fellow re-enactor Colin Pettitch appeared with helmet and cloak as a civilian policeman of the time.

David Law, Saks owner, said: “Everyone wanted to go the extra mile this year to help raise money for the Royal British Legion and we all had lots of fun, while remembering the great sacrifices made by young men and women during both world wards and also the continuing sacrifice made by our armed services ever since, from Korea to Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

“We are proud to have been able to raise the money for a great cause and for helping to keep alive the memory of our fallen service men and women.”