VETERANS, supporters and civic leaders have come together to launch a town’s annual poppy appeal.

The Chester-le-Street Poppy Appeal was formally launched in the town’s Market Place, with the aim of raising thousands of pounds for the annual Royal British Legion appeal.

Supporters gathered around Chester-le-Street’s new war memorial as Cllr Jan Blakey, chairman of Durham County Council and mayor of Durham City, bought the first poppy.

Cllr Blakey said: “It was an absolute privilege to be able to help launch the appeal – it is one of the most important charities we have got.”

In previous years, the town’s poppy appeal has been run in conjunction with Durham, but this year there will be a separate appeal for Chester-le-Street.

Organiser Janet Ather was inspired to get involved after meeting some of the former servicemen who served in Afghanistan now living at the St Peter’s Court veterans’ accommodation, in Sacriston.

She said: “We haven’t got a target, we just hope to raise as much as we can for the cause.”

Around 10 volunteers will be out collecting money in the town between now and Remembrance Sunday, with help from groups including the scouts, air cadets and army cadets.

As well as street collections, volunteers will be in the town’s main Tesco and Morrisons supermarkets over the next few weeks.