EX-MILITARY personnel, cadets, volunteers and supporters united to launch this year’s Keighley Poppy Appeal shop outside the central bus station.

They were joined by Keighley town mayor Councillor Shabir Ahmed for the event.

They gathered around a large poppy display which was designed and made by Oakworth couple Julie and Ian Eaton, with help from local resident Peter Snaith.

It features 500 hand-knitted poppies arranged on a wooden board.

The intention is to sell all of these poppies for £2 each, to contribute £1,000 towards this year’s eventual total.

Among those present encouraging people to back the fundraising were Royal British Legion members Edgar Bottomley, 93, from Thwaites Brow and Terry Read, 91, from Oakworth.

Mr Bottomley was a Royal Navy engine room artificer on corvettes and destroyers during the Second World War.

“The appeal is so important to all those people who have served and those who’ve been injured,” he said.

“I hope the people of Keighley will support the Royal British Legion’s efforts to look after ex-service personnel.”

Mr Read was a Royal Air Force meteorologist during the war, and was stationed all over the UK, forecasting the weather for British military aircraft.

“There is so much need out there and a lot of people are depending on this appeal,” he said.

Poppy Appeal co-ordinator Tommy Thompson said the temporary shop, which is in the same unit as it was last year, will be open each day until November 12 from 10am to 4pm apart from on Sunday.

He said that on Sunday there would be volunteers collecting money at Keighley’s Asda Supermarket.

“Last year we raised £36,308 and we’re aiming to beat that,” he said.

“More volunteers are always needed for street collecting, collections in supermarkets and for after November 12 when we need to go round and pick up all the collection boxes.

“If local businesses want to help they’ll be welcome too. Anyone who’d like to volunteer can call in at the shop or call me on 07882 458849.”

Jackie McGinnis, secretary of the Keighley Royal British Legion branch, said the shop is selling paper and fabric poppies, cards, bags, crosses and a variety of other items.

These include goods she has made herself, as well as items made and donated by Mrs Eaton and by Christine Anness and Sue Wallace, who are both from Saltaire.

The shop also features a tombola.

Mrs McGinnis said: “It’s a good spot to have the shop.

“The Airedale Shopping Centre has let us have this unit for free for the Poppy Appeal and we’re very grateful for that.”