BOURNEMOUTH town centre hosted the launch of this year’s Poppy Appeal in Dorset, which has even more significance due to the centenary of the end of the First World War.

The medals of military personnel from the Bovington Camp were gleaming in the autumnal sunshine as proceedings got under way, with the sound of bagpipes ringing through the Square to mark the occasion.

County standard bearers were also present with flags and a variety of military vehicles were on display.

The county’s first poppy was presented to Bournemouth mayor Cllr Derek Borthwick by local schoolchildren, and crowds gathered to watch other entertainment to mark the launch.

Ian Jarvis, community fundraiser for the Royal British Legion and Dorset County chairman, said a special ‘thank you’ to the First World War generation would be given this year to commemorate the centenary.

“Everyone has a connection to the First World War, and we all have a reason to say ‘thank you’ for the legacy that extraordinary generation left for us.

“The First World War left countless legacies that positively impact our lives today, from ground breaking social change and timeless works of art to pioneering innovations. As we come to the end of the First World War Centenary now is the time to come together in our communities and say ‘thank you’.”

Cllr David Kelsey, who is organising the Poppy Appeal collections in Bournemouth this year, said more and more young people were supporting the appeal.

“Certainly in the student areas of Bournemouth, we’re getting a lot of younger people coming up and asking us to explain to them what it’s all about, which is really good.”

He added volunteers were needed to sell poppies at Asda in Bournemouth. Anyone interested can contact him on 07816417675.

Mr Jarvis added: “This Poppy Appeal wear your poppy with pride to support the armed forces community past and present. Every donation received will make a real difference to the lives of service men and women, veterans and their loved ones.”

Other events have been organised in Bournemouth to mark the centenary by the WWI Commemoration Planning Committee. Bournemouth Library will be hosting an exhibition during November, which includes the stories of Bournemouth men who served in the war and poetry by schoolchildren.