THE MAYOR of Trowbridge helped to launch the town’s Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal yesterday.

Trevor Heeks, the Trowbridge Town Crier, placed the first poppy on his mayoral robes, to kick-start this year’s local appeal.

Marion Oliver also attended the launch at the Trowbridge war memorial to represent the many volunteers who give their time every year to raise funds for ex-servicemen and women and their families.l

Rick Owen, the Trowbridge RBL Branch honorary poppy appeal organiser, said: “Marion represents the very best of our volunteers, receiving her 35-year medal in the summer for her work, having raised tens of thousands of pounds over the years.”

Last year’s appeal raised a massive £38,000 during the second year of the Covid-19 pandemic. Pre-pandemic, the town and surrounding area generally raised £42,000 a year.

The mayor, Cllr Graham Hill, has close family links with the UK armed forces and said he was “honoured and pleased” to endorse this year’s appeal for worthy causes.

The national RBL Poppy Appeal runs from Saturday, October 29 to Saturday, November 12.

This year’s Remembrance Sunday annual parade and service is on November 13, followed by the Act of Remembrance at the war memorial in the town park.