A MIX of generations took part in a symbolic appeal to remember those who died in conflict and support those who survived.

War widows and veterans were presented with poppies at the launch of the Poppy Appeal 2005 at County Hall, Maidstone. .

Kent County Council chairman, Cllr John London, was invited by the chairman of the RBL, Raymond Mann, to buy the first poppy.

Air Cadet Kate Saunders, presented a poppy to Olivia Taylor, a mother of two, whose husband Cpl Marc Taylor, died in Basra last year.

Geoff Simpson, county field officer for the RBL in Kent, said the appeal intended to assist those in need, adding:

“We do it, not only for those who died, but also those who did come back and lost limbs or had their lives ruined by post-traumatic stress, and equally those who lost loved ones.

“People tend to think of war widows as those from the Second World War, but here we have a case of someone who lost their husband last year and her life has been devastated just as much.”

This year marks the 60th anniversary since of the end of The Second World War - regarded as the last major chance to thank the millions of people who served at home and abroad during the conflict.

During 2005 the RBL conducted a survey of the needs of the veteran community, which highlighted an increasing demand for its services.

As a result its welfare division developed a three year plan including increasing in the number of beneficiaries receiving advice or practical help and providing more day care.

For more information about the Poppy Appeal visit www.poppy.org.uk.