THE Royal British Legion’s 2017 Poppy Appeal is now under way to raise funds to help look after the welfare, interests and memory of those who have served, or are still serving, in the armed forces.

As the mayor of Halton I am appealing to everyone in the borough to support this vital campaign.

The Poppy Appeal provides the main source of funds to maintain the legion’s many welfare and benefit schemes, which help more than 300,000 people each year.

There are also many more members of the ex-service community who need help. The legion is developing a new welfare programme to reach out to those people.

Therefore each year the need for people to support the Poppy Appeal is even greater.

The legion is again running its Poppy People campaign to try to attract new volunteers, as many of those who traditionally give their services are becoming too elderly to continue.

Anyone over 16 is eligible to help and they can do this by e-mailing volunteersupport@britishlegion.org.uk.

As ever poppies will be on sale in Halton Council buildings and the council will support the legion’s observation of two minutes’ silence next Saturday, November 11, to honour those who have served their country.

I ask everyone to wear their poppy with pride and say thank you for contributing to the appeal.

Cllr Alan Lowe

Mayor of Halton