by Rhona Pinkerton

A civic ceremony attended by veterans and dignitaries from across the county has launched this year’s Poppy Appeal in Maidstone.

Children from St Paul’s Primary School in Rusthall and Benenden Primary near Cranbrook presented the first poppies of the year to Kent veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Among them was Lieutenant Colonel Adam Griffiths who returned from Afghanistan just 10 days before the ceremony.

He was representing the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders who are based in Canterbury and members of the armed forces had been chosen from each of the seven regiments based in the county.

Those attending the ceremony were then asked to start off this year’s donations to the Royal British Legion.

Last year in Kent we raised more than £1 million for the cause which helps all armed forces’ veterans and their families.

Geoff Simpson, the Royal British Legion County Manager, hopes we can do just as well this year. He said: “We see daily increases in the number of people turning to us for help. The support we have given this year has been extensive. For their sake, wear a poppy.”

The Poppy Appeal will culminate in the traditional Day of Remembrance on November 11 with the focus this year on helping the Afghan generation of the armed forces and their families.