ALCESTER people are being urged to wear their poppies with pride and help raise thousands for the Royal British Legion’s annual fundraising campaign.

Volunteers at the Poppy Appeal in Alcester are aiming to raise more than £14,000 in donations this year.

Organiser David Malin said: “Last year we raised just over £14,000 for the Poppy Appeal but I hope to do even better this year.

“We have extra volunteers for the collections and the introduction of the poppy shop in the High Street should boost our total.

“We look forward to receiving the towns continued support”

The appeal is being launched with a get-together at the Malt Mill Lane Community Centre on Saturday, October 24 from 10am to 1pm.

Entrance costs £1 per person and includes refreshments.

Between October 24 and November 8, poppy collections will be taking place all over the town with street and door-to-door collections.

From October 31 to November 7 there will also be a pop-up poppy shop in High Street.

The annual festival of remembrance concert at the Greig Centre is taking place on Saturday, November 7.

The concert includes performances from Alcester Male Voice Choir and Alcester Victoria Silver Band.

Tickets cost £9 and profits go to the appeal. They are available from Guys Menswear and Alcester Flowers or by contacting organisers.

The town’s remembrance Sunday parade is starting in Bleachfield Street at 11am on Sunday, November 8. This is followed by a church Service at St Nicholas’ and dedication service will be held War Memorial Town Hall for three of the town's war memorial plaques.

On Wednesday, November 11 the legion will host small Armistice Day Parade outside Guys Menswear at 11am with an outdoor service and two minutes silence.

For further information contact David Malin on 01789 400427.