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.

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.

Speaking to crowds, Cllr Rey said: “Please give generously – we raised £25,000 last year and we would love to be able to beat that.”

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

Cllr Rey added: “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 we can.”

A Remembrance Sunday service will take place at the Bournemouth War Memorial in the Central Gardens on Sunday beginning at 10.57am.

A two-minute silence will be held at 11am, followed by a 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.