AN APPEAL is underway to remember fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defence of their country.

This year's Poppy Appeal is expected to raise more funds for the Royal British Legion than ever before and is set to be supported by hundreds of thousands in York.

In the next three weeks leading up to Armistice Day on November 11, the distinctive red poppy will be worn by people across the country to show their respect to those who have died in conflicts since the First World War.

This year the organisation is putting down roots for its future and looking for enthusiastic, hard-working volunteers to take the appeal forward and make a new generation aware of the goals to supporting servicemen and women and veterans.

York Press:

Denise Edgar, president of York's Royal British Legion branch, launched the fundraising appeal at York's Guildhall yesterday with the help of serving members of the army and veterans.

She said: "We get fantastic support from the people of this city and we are always looking for more volunteers.

"Within the whole City of York Council area this year we want to raise in excess of £100,000."

Cllr Sonja Crisp, the Lord Mayor of York, said: "Everybody knows what the Poppy Appeal is.

"It supports our ex-servicemen and has been vital in doing that for years. It does a sterling job and most of that is down to the work of volunteers, which means a lot to the city.

"The relationship we have with the city and its volunteers is crucial and this is an incredibly important launch."

York Garrison Sgt Major WO1 Brian Kiernan added: "The Poppy Appeal launch means so much to so many.

"It officially marks the period when we go into remembrance and being in the military for the last 30 years it's something I have grown up with and fully admire.

"I will take the parade through the city on November 8 and we get veterans, cadets, servicemen and women, and the people of York, which means so much because we can help the Royal British Legion."