BOURNEMOUTH’S First Citizen bought the first poppy yesterday to mark the launch of this year’s Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Mayor Cllr Phil Stanley-Watts paid tribute to volunteers who give up their time to raise much-needed funds for the charity’s vital work.

He said: “They do a fantastic job.

“This year is particularly poignant because it’s the 30th anniversary of the Falklands conflict.

“I lost friends in that war and would urge more young people to get more involved in selling poppies. We need to get schools and colleges involved; it’s a great cause.”

Bournemouth town centre organiser Cllr Anne Rey said: “Last year we raised £25,000. It was a tremendous achievement but I’m confident we can top that figure this year.”

The new Dorset county fundraiser Ian Jarvis served in the Forces for 26 years, including tours in Germany, Iraq, Cyprus, Northern Ireland and Canada.

He said: “More than £600,000 was raised in Dorset last year and I’ve set a challenge that we beat that by £50,000 this year. My goal is that Dorset can eventually reach the £1million mark.”

The father-of-five, who lives in Wareham, added: “I believe that through the efforts of people like Anne and the volunteers that is achieveable.”

Among veterans who attended the launch were Peter Mantell, 73, and Gordon Bar-clay, 70, who are members of the Bournemouth group of the Aden Veterans Association.

Gordon, who served from February 1966 until June 1967, was at the wheel of a three-tonne truck when it was blown up by a landmine.

He said: “Fortunately, the back of the truck caught the blast and we had no casulaties; I was also shot at.”

Peter is treasurer of the Bournemouth Veterans’ Association group.

He said: “What I remember most is the heat. It was unbearable at times but we had to make the best of the conditions.”

As well as raising funds for the Poppy Appeal the group boosts the coffers of several other worthy causes.