Dried poppies collected from a battlefield during the First World War are set to be auctioned later this month. The flowers, preserved on tissue paper inscribed with the words "From The British Trenches La Bassee 1915," were reportedly saved by an unidentified British soldier.

The poppies originate from La Bassee, a significant conflict zone in northern France during the early years of the war. The area saw intense fighting as Allied and German forces vied for control of strategic Channel ports. Alongside the delicate flowers is a photograph believed to depict the soldier who plucked them from the battlefield.

Andy Stowe, representing Auctioneum, a Bristol-based auction house handling the sale, highlighted the poignant act of preservation amid the wartime turmoil. He noted that, despite the chaos surrounding him, the soldier took time to keep these flowers as symbols of hope.

The lot is expected to attract interest from collectors and historians alike, with estimates suggesting the poppies could command more than £150 when they go under the hammer on September 29.