POPPY appeal organisers in Ringwood are hoping supporters will dig deep for the Royal British Legion this year.

The Legion’s Ringwood & Bransgore District launched its annual appeal outside the Ringwood Gateway building on Saturday.

Ringwood town mayor Cllr Barbara Woodifield was presented with the first poppy in the morning, followed by a cheque presentation by The Poulner Players.

Appeal organiser Val Aldridge said: “The launch went really well and we had lots of support. We always do very well and people are very generous.

“The Poulner Players donated the front of house takings from their production of My Boy Jack to the appeal. Barclays Bank kindly match funded this as well, so we had a cheque for a grand total of £1,799.”

The Bourne Valley Jazz Band provided music throughout the launch event, from 10am-2pm, which also included a number of stalls and military vehicles.

“I don’t have the total figure for money raised so far,” said Val.

“But I know some of the tins were full of notes, so it looks like we’ve done well.

“I think many people probably don’t quite realise what The Royal British Legion does. I don’t think they realise all the good work done throughout the year and all of the support its gives to ex-service people.”

Val also said that this year’s appeal, during the one hundredth anniversary of the start of the First World War, will be particularly poignant for the organisation.

Poppies will be available from the Royal British Legion gazebo in Ringwood, from local shops and from street collectors, up until Remembrance Sunday.