VOLUNTEERS from the Ellesmere and district branch of the Royal British Legion are gearing up for the launch of the annual Poppy Appeal later this month.

Last year’s appeal brought in £9,500 and organisers hope to raise even more over the next 12 months.

The first fund-raising event will be coffee morning at Criftins parish hall, Dudleston Heath between 10 and midday on Thursday, October 27.

It will be hosted by the Criftins Community Coffee Club and will include a stall selling poppies, badges and other Legion merchandise.

Admission £2 to include a raffle ticket.

Branch chairman, Bob McBride said they are reliant on support from Ellesmere people to continue to raise money for former servicemen and women in need of help.

He said: "The money raised locally helps to ensure that the Legion is able to take care of our armed forces community when they need help financially or in accessing support for injuries or mental health issues resulting from keeping our country safe and secure.

"So often the lives of our servicemen and women and their families are changed forever by their bravery and selflessness and it’s vital that we continue to recognise that.”

On various days between Saturday, October 28 until Remembrance weekend two weeks later, Legion members will also be selling poppies and merchandise at Tesco’s Ellesmere store.

Other local shops, pubs and businesses, together with schools, will support the appeal with collection boxes and there will be a street collection in Ellesmere town centre on Saturday morning, November 5.

The Legion branch’s annual poppy concert will be held at the town’s Comrades’ Club on Saturday, November 12, the eve of Remembrance Sunday.

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Among those taking part will be the Porthywaen Silver Band, award-winning singer Seren Devismes and performers from the Ellesmere and District Amateur Dramatic Society.

As in previous years, lamp-posts in and around the town will be decorated with giant poppies.

Poppy appeal organiser Lynn Howard said: “I would like to say a huge thank-you to everyone who has donated in the past year

"We are always extremely grateful for the incredible generosity shown by the people in Ellesmere and surrounding areas and we hope they’ll continue their support in spite of the increasing cost of living.”