MAYORS and civic leaders from across Kent attended this year's Poppy Appeal lunch.

Among the 100 or so diners at the annual Kent County Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal Lunch were the Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Morel D'Souza, the Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, Cllr Jill Anderson, and the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Cllr David Wakefield.

They were all greeted by Lord Astor of Hever, the president of the Kent County Royal British Legion and Anne Figg, president of its women's section.

Guest speaker at the lunch, held at the Ramada Hotel and Resort, Hollingbourne was Brigadier Trevor Minter, a former Constable of Dover Castle, who served for more than 30 years with the Royal Fusiliers.

The lunch is one of the largest fund-raising events in the county during the annual Poppy Appeal. Kent County RBL publicity officer John Partridge said: "It was a very enjoyable lunch and people were very supportive.

"As well as being a very happy occasion we hope to have raised a lot of money for the Poppy Appeal."