The Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal to remember the tens of thousands of servicemen and women who have lost their lives in conflict is now under way.

Bradford’s Lord Mayor Councillor John Godward was presented with the first poppy of the appeal by Barbara Allsopp from the charity.

Money raised from the campaign will be used to support serving men and women as well as members of the former service community.

Last year £50,000 was raised in Bradford city centre and £146,000 across the whole district.

Mrs Allsopp, who is organising collections for the appeal in Bradford, said she hoped last year’s total would be beaten.

She said: “There’s still fighting going on in Afghanistan and there are more and more servicemen and women coming home injured and they definitely need our help.

“The more money we raise the more we can do for them. This money not only helps us buys things like stairlifts, electric scooters and wheelchairs but with it we can also help to educate and train injured servicemen and women so they can do something new.”

Volunteers are needed to hand out poppies in supermarkets, shops, schools and workplaces across the Bradford district.

To help call Mrs Allsopp on (01274) 726020.