HASLEMERE Poppy Appeal 2018 raised a record 37,000 - can the town do even better this year?

Royal British Legion poppy appeal organiser Jim Edwards urged everyone in Haslemere, Grayswood, Shottermill and Critchmere “to give generously” at the launch for this year’s collection, which starts officially on Saturday, October 26.

Mr Edwards said: “Many of our young service men and women continue to work in considerable danger resulting all too often in the loss of lives or suffering serious and life changing injuries.

“The Royal British Legion, through your generosity provides them and their dependents with financial and psychological support when they are at their most vulnerable.”

South West Surrey MP Jeremy Hunt joined borough and town mayors, Woolmer Hill students, and volunteers in a mass show of solidarity on Monday.

Mr Hunt said: “This is very close to my heart because my grandpa fought with the Indian Army against the Japanese.

“It’s lovely we have young people here today, so we never forget the sacrifices made by previous generations. That’s the important thing about Poppy Day.”