The Royal British Legion in Ripon has launched its appeal for volunteers for this year's poppy campaign.

The campaign relies on people giving up their time to collect donations and to empty and administer the collection boxes.

Ruth Botha's partner has served in Iraq and Afghanistan: "I think if an army wife or a soldier sees someone wearing a poppy it's a mark of respect, as it is for older veterans."

Members of the local armed forces have already been involved, checking serial numbers, cleaning collection boxes and making sure the poppies are ready for distribution.

Albert Weidemann is Ripon's appeal co-ordinator: "Without their help and support initially, we wouldn't be at the stage of going out there to request volunteers and civilians to come out and show their support."

Organisers are looking for volunteers to pack shopping bags at supermarkets, collect street donations, empty, deliver and collect donation boxes and administer the boxes.

For further details contact Albert Weidemann on 01765 606276 or 07917 156093 or ajweidemann@googlemail.com