THE RIGHT Worshipful Mayor of Southampton has marked the start of the annual Poppy Appeal in Southampton.

Councillor Peter Baillie, was presented with the first poppy of this year's Poppy Appeal, by Archie Parsons, Secretary of the RBL in Southampton, and Tom McInery and Sue Parsons, Branch Secretaries of the RBL in Southampton.

Speaking at the presentation of the poppy, the Mayor said: "It’s a real privilege to kick-start this year’s poppy appeal here in Southampton.

"We owe our current and former members of the armed forces an enormous debt of gratitude and that’s why it’s so important to support them.

"I’m pleased to support such a worthy cause and I have no doubt that people across the city will support the appeal with their customary generosity."

Archie Parsons, of RBL, said: "All of us at the Royal British Legion are extremely grateful to the citizens of Southampton for the very generous donations they make every year towards to Poppy Appeal.

"Last year we collected a magnificent sum of £100,000 in our area of the city which would not be possible without the support of our band of loyal volunteer collectors which includes the youngsters from the Army and Sea Cadets Corps.

"All monies raised help our welfare sections provide various forms of support - financial or otherwise - to current and ex-service personnel and their families. Sincere thanks to everybody who helps and supports this wonderful charity every year."

This year, the charity’s Poppy Appeal is aiming to raise over £50 million across the UK to help support serving and ex-serving members of the armed forces community and their families.

To help Southampton residents pay tribute to members of armed forces past and present, remembrance events will be taking place in the city.

This will include a special service and parade at Southampton Cenotaph on Sunday, November 10 from 10.55am.