VOLUNTEERS are calling on the public to help support servicemen past and present by digging deep for this year's Poppy Appeal.

The Brentwood and District branch of the Royal British Legion this week launched the annual campaign, but have some way to go to top last year's record-breaking total of £48,000.

Traditional red poppies are now available from shops, pubs, banks and schools, while volunteers will be out in force for street collections in Shenfield, Brentwood and at Sainsbury's from Monday to Saturday next week.

This, as usual, is accompanied by house-to-house collections across the borough and its surrounding parishes.

Poppy Appeal organiser Eunice Woolmore who has been leading Brentwood's efforts for 11 years and collecting for more than 30 appeals, said: "Every year we seem to make more money, but last year was a particularly good year.

"I don't do targets, we take it as it comes and get out there as much as we possibly can. We have more than 500 tins out there.

"People in Brentwood are so generous. I cannot explain it. We don't get many people walking past without giving a donation."

Unfortunately this generosity has on occasions been marred in recent years by thieves who have snatched collection cash. With this in mind, Mrs Woolmore is calling on everyone to be vigilant and secure any collection tins in their premises.

Mrs Woolmore, whose husband John is a welfare office for the branch, added: "Every one of the tins has got a security cord and we rely on people to tie them up to something to make it that little bit more difficult to steal. We just hope we do not get it again."

The branch would also welcome extra volunteers for the street collections in Brentwood and Shenfield, where hundreds of traditional lapel poppies will be on offer, together with more modern versions, such as pin badges and wristbands.

Anyone who is free to lend a helping hand should contact Mrs Woolmore. She will be available at St Thomas' Church Centre in St Thomas Road, Brentwood, between 9am and 3pm Monday to Friday. Then on Saturday, Mrs Woolmore will be based near the chapel ruins.

To find out more about volunteering call Mrs Woolmore on 01277 655393.