THERE is a misconception that youngsters are not interested in remembering the wars and that the annual Poppy Appeal has lost its impact.

There are certainly fewer poppy sellers around than ever - but that is no indication of the attitude of the public, as yesterday's Remembrance events showed.

People all over the country turned out to pay their respects to the thousands of service men and women who gave their lives for us in war.

The Poppy Appeal is organised by the Royal British Legion to raise money for ex-service personnel.

The appeal was launched in 1921 in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the Great War and to support their families and those who suffered terrible injuries. A mammoth £105,000 was raised that year.

"Last year we raised a record £21.5 million," said Ted Griffiths MBE, President of the York branch of the Royal British Legion.

"I am happy to say that people really do remember, and young people are more interested than many realise," he said.

Ted, who is 83 and fought in the Second World War, devotes a great deal of his time to keeping alive the memory of his many comrades who died.

He gives talks to school children about the war and what the Poppy Appeal and Remembrance Sunday is all about.

"A great many people gave their lives so that we can have the freedom we enjoy today and it is important that people don't forget that," said Ted.

Ted gives brief talks in schools to help children understand why everyone is wearing a poppy at this time of year.

"We find it very difficult to get people to stand in the streets and collect donations for us but I am happy to say that people still do remember and are proud to wear their poppy," said Ted.

Updated: 09:10 Monday, November 11, 2002