‘CUSTODIANS of Remembrance’ are urging people to give their time to helping to support the Poppy Appeal this year.

Just weeks before the annual fundraising effort begins across the UK, the Darlington branch of the British Royal Legion has asked for help.

Held every year to mark the period of Remembrance and to commemorate the sacrifices of those who lost their lives to war and conflict, the Poppy Appeal is the Royal British Legion’s biggest campaign.

Through the sale of the iconic red poppies, the organisation provides support to veterans of the armed forces and their families who are in need.

However, those who head the campaign in Darlington fear they may not have enough volunteers to staff stalls in the area throughout the initiative.

Chairman Ken Coates appealed for help, saying: “This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One and we were hoping to expand our appeal throughout Darlington to commemorate it.

“Sadly, we are short of collectors and sellers and desperately need volunteers to help us between October 27 and November 10.

“The Royal British Legion are the custodians of Remembrance and of the poppy, we are the ones who brought it forward.

“We feel this appeal is incredibly important because it remembers those who gave their lives for us – we would not be here if it was not for them.

“There truly are still lessons that can be learned from the experiences of those we remember, who learned about having to try to survive and about sacrifice.

"They sacrificed everything so that we could remain independent as a country and they should be remembered.”

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Mr Coates by calling 01325 263717. Alternatively, they can email k.coates77@ntlworld.com.