WITH Remembrance Day on Sunday, may I take this opportunity to urge everyone to support, however they can, this year's Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

This year is the 84th anniversary of the Legion, during which time the Poppy Appeal has helped to fund its work to deliver a caring service for the benefit of the ex-service community in need since 1921.

Once again, the Legion will play a central role in helping the families of servicemen who have died in war.

More people are approaching the Legion for help than ever before and the need for public support is greater than ever.

You can show your support by observing the two minutes silence at 11am on Friday.

The Poppy Appeal supports those who have defended our country or helped keep the peace with the United Nations in other parts of the world.

Today, British servicemen and women are playing a vital role around the world.

When they leave the forces, the Legion will be there for them and their dependants, as it is for the veterans of the two world wars, The Gulf, the Falklands and many other conflicts.

Please give what you can to the poppy sellers to help them to help people who have given so much to preserve our security and freedom.

Councillor DIANE THOMAS

Mayor of Redditch