THE North-East poppy appeal has been launched by a dance team who have created a piece to say thank you to the generation who served and sacrificed during the First World War.

The Royal British Legion, which runs the annual appeal, is marking the centenary of the end of the way by recognising the contribution made by a generation, including those who served, the Commonwealth, women, children, pioneers and artists.

The appeal was launched yesterday at Sage Gateshead by the Eliot Smith Dance company, which has created a new work entitled Poppy, which will be performed at the venue on November 27.

The legion is aiming to raise £1.4m in the North-East, to give care and support to the armed forced community.

Northern area manager Nicola Meredith said: “During the Poppy Appeal 2018 we are calling on the nation to say ‘thank you’ to the First World War generation, not just the British armed forces, but those who fought alongside them from today’s Commonwealth and the countless men, women and children who played their part of the home front.