THE Royal British Legion’s Alcester Branch kicked off their Poppy Appeal by raising almost £400 through a coffee morning at Malt Mill Lane Community Centre.

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

Chairman of Alcester’s Royal British Legion, Mike Gittus, said: “Alcester always supports the men and women of the armed forces.

“This year the Royal British Legion says don't just wear a poppy for the memory of the fallen, wear it for the future of the living.”

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.