I would like to urge your readers to throw their support behind this year’s Poppy Appeal.

The Royal British Legion (RBL) received wonderful support from the people of Dorset in 2012, both in terms of donations and volunteer time.

And as we approach Remembrance Day next month, it is important that we again show our gratitude to the members of the Armed Forces who have put their lives on the line for us – and continue to do so.

Since 1921, the RBL’s mission has been to help those members of the serving and ex-service community who needed it. More than 90 years on and the Legion continues to safeguard the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in the Armed Forces.

The Poppy Appeal provides the main source of funds to maintain the Legion’s many welfare and support schemes which help more than 100,000 people each year.

This year’s appeal will again focus its support on the men and women, past and present, who have served in the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts over the past decade or so, as well as their family members.

If you can give up any free time to help the Poppy Appeal, just call 0800 0855924. And over the coming weeks, I hope everyone else will be able to spare a pound or two and wear a poppy with pride.

Cllr John Wilson, Chairman of Dorset County Council, County Hall, Dorchester