REMEMBRANCE Sunday on November 11 will be extra special this year as it also marks the centenary of the end of WWI – the ‘War to end all Wars’ – which claimed 10 million lives across Europe.

Haslemere Poppy Appeal which will raise vital funds for The Royal British Legion gets under way in earnest tomorrow (Saturday), when street collections start in and around the town.

Organisers hope this year’s total will beat the record £30,000 raised last year.

Students from Shottermill Infant and Woolmer Hill schools joined Mayor and Mayoress David Round and Melanie Odell, the town’s Poppy Appeal organiser councillor Jim Edwards, and supporters for the launch at Haslemere Station, on Monday.

A Garden of Remembrance will be sited on the grass area adjacent to the High Street War Memorial where small wooden crosses may be placed.

The Remembrance crosses and poppies to stick on the front of cars can be obtained from Hammonds Newsagents at the station, Marley Flowers in the High Street and from Jacqui and John Robini.

Mr Edwards, who is both a borough and town councillor, said: “Please wear your poppy with pride as we remember all those men and women who gave their lives or suffered injuries whileserving our country.

“Many of our young servicemen and women continue to work in considerable danger resulting all too often in the loss of lives or suffering serious and life changing injuries.

“The Royal British Legion, through your generosity, provides them and their dependents with financial and psychological support.”