THE first poppy has been presented to the Lord Mayor of Bradford to mark the start of the Poppy Appeal in Bradford.

The Lord Mayor Councillor Zafar Ali was presented with the poppy by Barry Eccles, chair of the Bradford branch of the Royal British Legion, and its youngest member Lola Lister, today at City Hall.

As this year also marks 100 years since the end of the First World War, Bradford Council has constructed a Poppies in the Park display, with poppies adorning trees and lighting columns in City Park along the Remembrance Day parade route to the Cenotaph.

All Council vehicles will also be decorated with a poppy.

The Lord Mayor Cllr Ali said: “We are proud once again to join up with the Royal British Legion to help continue the work they work they do which continues to make a difference to a great many lives.

“Poppies will be available to the public from hundreds of outlets in the Bradford district and I urge everyone to give as generously as they can to help ensure the success of this year’s Poppy Appeal.”

Kersten England, chief executive of Bradford Council, added: “The Poppy Appeal is so important and ensures that we never forget the sacrifice made by so many from our own communities to give us the freedom we now enjoy.

"Wearing a poppy is our tribute to them. I hope people across the district will support the appeal once again and wear their poppy with pride.”

Poppies will be on sale across the district, with all donations going to the Royal British Legion, which provides lifelong support for the serving men and women, veterans, and their families in the Armed Forces.

The Poppy Appeal has been held every year since the charity's formation in 1921.

A special Remembrance Day service will be held at Bradford Cenotaph on Sunday, November 11, and Remembrance events will also taking place at war memorials across the district.