MILLIONS of people nationwide will pay their respects for fallen soldiers this weekend, proudly wearing red poppies to honour those who gave their lives at war.

Yet since launching in 2006, purple poppies have become increasingly popular alongside their traditional counterparts.

They were established in a bid to honour the millions of animals killed during war times.

It is estimated eight million horses and donkeys were killed in World War One, while the start of World War Two saw around 750,000 dogs killed every week as owners struggled to feed pets on rations.

The proceeds raised from the sale of purple poppies go to the charity Animal Aid.

Many also wear white poppies as a sign of pacifism.

Each colour on the familiar red poppy also has special meanings.

The red represents the blood of those who gave their lives for their country.

The black centre shows the dark mourning for the families back home who lose loved ones.

Finally, the green leaf is believed to demonstrate the hope and peace of a new day after the war, representing grass and crops.

Poppies in Cumbria and across England and Wales are slightly different to those north of the border.

Poppyscotland produce the four-petaled poppy without a leaf in order to honour Scottish soldiers killed at war.

People are given the chance to buy their poppies in the weeks leading up to Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.

The money raised goes to the Royal British Legion to support ex-service personnel mentally and physically affected by war.

The legion also has a number of residential homes across the country, and are regularly fundraising to keep services running.