OLD and young soldiers are helped daily by the Royal British Legion - but now the organisation in the Folkestone and Hythe area needs help itself.

Sudden ill-health has left the Shepway area without a co-ordinator, just weeks before the crucial time of the Poppy Appeal.

Kent is bucking the national trend of falling poppy income and the RBL requires someone, or some people, to run the Folkestone operation.

Last year in the area about £10,000 was raised. Community fund-raiser Judith Armstrong said: "We make £20 million nationally, which is less than half what we need.

"Collectors only need to give us two hours of their time, although the area organiser will need more time. We have 200 organisers in Kent alone but we need to find people to come forward and help us here. There are no particular skills required apart from knowing the area."

Anyone who can help the legion out in any capacity is asked to telephone 0800 0855924 or Ms Armstrong on 01480 374529.