THE LORD Mayor of York today launched this year's Poppy Appeal, in the run-up to Remembrance Day next month.

The Royal British Legion's branches in York and North and East Yorkshire joined forces with the Lord Mayor, Coun Janet Greenwood and the Sheriff of York, Coun Gil Nimmo MBE for the ceremony at the Mansion House.

Coun Greenwood said: "I am delighted to launch the North and East Yorkshire Poppy Appeal. The Legion has provided support for more than 500 serving and ex-Service people in the North Yorkshire area.

"It's important that we show our support by buying a poppy as our way of saying thank you to the people who have given so much, especially those who live in our local community."

She was joined by Coun Nimmo, who served in HM Forces for 38 years and has been involved in conducting welfare work on behalf of the Legion.

Colin Northridge MBE, the County Field Officer for the Royal British Legion, said: "We are delighted that the Lord Mayor and Sheriff of York agreed to launch our Poppy Appeal.

"The Poppy is a vital part of our heritage, helping us to remember the price of the freedom we enjoy today.

"I'd like to encourage everyone in York and North Yorkshire area to give generously and help those to whom we owe so much."

Poppies will be available to buy from tomorrow.

On Remembrance Day, Friday, November 11, the whole country will fall silent for two minutes at 11am, followed by wreath-laying ceremonies at many war memorials.

Parades, ceremonies and services of remembrance will be held across York, North and East Yorkshire on Sunday, November 13.

Events include a parade in York, starting at 10.20am in Stonegate, from the Eye of York to the Memorial Gardens.

In Fulford there will be a service in St Oswald's Church at 10.15am, followed by a ceremony at the war memorial.

In Thirsk there will be a service at St Mary's Church at 9.15am, followed by a parade to Sowerby.

In Ripon, there will be a parade from the market place to the cathedral at 10.30am.

Updated: 10:23 Friday, October 28, 2005