THIS year's Poppy Appeal was launched on Saturday by East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds, district councillor Angela Glass and Colonel Jimmy Jack, who runs the Bramshott and Liphook appeal.

Mr Hinds helped with the collection in the foyer of Sainsbury's superstore in Liphook, where Mrs Glass was the first person to make a donation.

The MP said: "It is so good to see the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal go from strength to strength.

"People are very generous, mirroring the increased number of people attending Remembrance services. The funds raised from the sale of Poppies provides vital support and care to our Armed Forces and veterans and their families when in need.

"As we approach the centenary of the outbreak of World War I, and with troops still on operations in Afghanistan, this work is as important as ever.

"Jamie Jack and the team do an outstanding job on the Liphook Poppy Appeal and I was delighted to be able to join the launch at Sainsbury's."

Some 140 collection boxes have been distributed across the parish to shops, offices and schools and 24 house-to-house collectors will be knocking on doors.

The appeal will continue until November 9. Last year, it raised more than £13,000.