A poppy preserved since the World War I between the pages of a book has been given a new lease of life.

The flower appears on the front cover of the war diary of Private Len Smith which was published last month.

The war artist picked two poppies in no man's land in Flanders in 1915, and pressed them between the pages of a book.

They have kept some of their red colour and are believed to be one of Britain's oldest examples of the flower.

Mr Smith, who was in the Seventh London Regiment, would sketch German positions from no man's land and his drawings were used to make battle plans.

In one diary entry from Vermelles, he said: "There were not any great doings at this part of the line and Gerry's trenches were really a good way off - with much caution one could even peep over the top and it was lovely to see groups of red poppies among the infrequent patches of grass.

"Considering the numerous shell holes, they were very numerous and made a very brave display - I know they thrilled me intently and a butterfly or two made a vast difference to the atmosphere."

His diary Drawing Fire was published by HarperCollins on October 1.