VETERANS and dignitaries gathered for the launch of the 2016 Poppy Appeal in Darlington.

The town’s mayor and mayoress, Cllrs Brian and Doris Jones, hosted a short ceremony to mark the launch at the Town Hall on Wednesday.

Among the attendees were representatives from the Poppy Appeal in Darlington, as well as the Royal British Legion and Royal Signals Association.

Cllr Jones recited the famous war poem In Flanders Fields, by Major John McCrae, before launching the appeal by buying the ceremonial first poppy from volunteers.

He said: “It is an honour to formally launch the 2016 Poppy Appeal in Darlington.

“I’m sure this year’s appeal will build on the success of previous years. I’ll be wearing my Poppy with pride and I encourage everyone else to do likewise during this Remembrance season.”

Last year’s Poppy Appeal collected more than £60,000 in Darlington.