THE organiser of Bournemouth’s annual Poppy Appeal is urging residents to help make it the best year yet.

Councillor Anne Rey has coordinated the Royal British Legion’s appeal in the town for around 10 years, with volunteers collecting an amazing £25,000 in 2013.

But she hopes that this year will be the best ever, and has called on locals to get behind the initiative.

Although the appeal officially launched last Monday, the councillor was joined by Mayor Chris Mayne and the Dorset Troopers in the Square on Saturday for an afternoon of entertainment by community choir Voice to raise funds.

Cllr Rey said: “Today we launch the Poppy Appeal in the town centre.

“It’s our tradition that we always have entertainment on our very first Saturday of the appeal.”

Speaking to crowds of people who came to watch the choir’s performance, Cllr Rey said: “Please give generously – we raised £25,000 last year and we would love to be able to beat that.”

Cllr Mayne also spoke at the event before beginning to sell the poppies himself.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to Cllr Anne Rey, who does this year on year,” he said.

“If we can improve on last year’s total, that would be fantastic.”

Nationally, last year’s Poppy Appeal raised £40 million to fund essential welfare work for Servicemen and women, veterans and their families.

Cllr Rey said: “We must never forget the sacrifice made by those who have fought for our country.

“That’s why we do this – we just want to raise as much as possible.”

A Remembrance Sunday service will take place at the Bournemouth War Memorial in the Central Gardens next week (SUN) beginning at 10.57am.

A two-minute silence will be held at 11am, followed by a 40-minute service and a wreath laying ceremony.

Two parades will also take place on the day – the youth contingent will leave Exeter Crescent at 10.35am, followed by the adults at 10.40am.

Both groups will march through the town centre to the memorial.