Poppy Appeal launches

And today the people of Portsmouth will be remembering their heroism.

The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal was due to kick off at Portsmouth’s Gunwharf Quays this morning.

The city’s branch of poppy collectors will join a parade of standards accompanied by a Royal British Legion Victory Brass Band, from midday in the centre of Gunwharf.

Poppy Appeal organiser for Portsmouth Chris Purcell said he was stunned by the city’s generosity, adding: ‘We should never forget the sacrifices soldiers, sailors and 
airmen made to defend our shores.’

Last year’s appeal raised £108,000 for charity. To help this year’s effort, a new pop-up shop will open in Fratton Road.