This year's Poppy Appeal collection in Lowestoft has been launched.

Lowestoft Journal: Members of the Lowestoft and District Royal British Legion.Picture: James BassMembers of the Lowestoft and District Royal British Legion.Picture: James Bass (Image: (C) Archant Norfolk 2015)

A number of dedicated volunteers took the time from the Royal British Legion's Lowestoft and District Branch spoke to passers-by about the importance of the appeal at the launch event on Saturday (October 24).

Chairman Bob King, who spent 22 years in the army, described how the appeal is 'to support the armed forces and the sacrifices they have made over the generations'.

'The poppy is a powerful symbol - it is worn to commemorate the sacrifices of our armed forces and to show support to those still serving today and their loved ones,' he said.

'The legion spends about £10,000 a day supporting veterans, from those just coming out of the army helping them to find jobs to the older generation who might need a mobility scooter or a chairlift.

'When we support them, it's for life and the people of Lowestoft tend to be really generous.

'I think there has only been about one week since the Second World War that a British soldier hasn't lost his life.'

The appeal will last until the Remembrance Sunday parade and service at the Royal Plain War Memorial on the Sunday.

As it stands, the branch is having to use a marquee in the town centre after the two unused shops they were originally offered, were leased.

However the branch is collecting in all the major stores and has about 300 poppy tins in various locations throughout Lowestoft.

The RBL'S drop-in centre, in Alexandra Road, is open for tea and coffee along with an informal chat every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 11am and 4pm. Information, advice and guidance is given to serving members of the armed forces, reservists, veterans and their dependants.

Anyone wishing to volunteer should contact the Drop in Centre, 42 Alexandra Road, Lowestoft, NR32 1PJ or call 01502 218688.

Are you doing something special to raise money for this year's Poppy Appeal? Tell The Journal by calling 01502 525820 or email lowestoft.journal@archant.co.uk