ROYAL British Legion officials are hoping people will help them raise thousands of pounds in this year’s Poppy Appeal.

The annual appeal in aid of soldiers and their families was launched in Ipswich and Felixstowe on Saturday.

The mayor of Ipswich, Mary Blake, launched the appeal on the steps of the Town Hall accompanied by standards, veterans and the Harwich Royal British Legion Pipe and Drum Band.

She also officially opened the Poppy Shop in Tower Ramparts which will remain open until November 10.

In Felixstowe, deputy mayor Jan Garfield was joined by members of the Felixstowe branch of the RBL to launch the town’s appeal at The Triangle.

Over the next fortnight, the branch will have a caravan stationed in the Crescent car park as well as door-to-door collections and those at Morrisons, Solar and Lidl for people to buy poppies and donate to the appeal.

Donald Bones, of the Felixstowe RBL branch, said: “Our aim is to beat last year’s total when we raised more than �21,500 but we still need volunteers to help with collections.

Anyone who is able to offer their services between Saturday and November 11 in Felixstowe should call Dawn Kemp on 07956 136135.