THE people of Bury have been called upon to ‘wear their poppies with pride’ after the launch of an annual appeal.

Colonel Eric Davidson, who organises the Bury Poppy Appeal on behalf of the Royal British Legion, has urged residents to remember those who have fallen in war and to stand in solidarity alongside those serving and ex-serving members of the Armed Forces.

For the first time, the red poppy symbol will also represent remembrance of the UK's civilian victims of war and terrorism.

An official launch of this year’s fundraising endeavour was held in the Mayor’s Parlour last Thursday, when Lt Col Davidson was joined by the Mayor of Bury, Cllr Trevor Holt, and the Mayoress Evelyn Holt.

“This is an incredibly worthy cause that takes place once a year”, Col Davidson said. “We are encouraging people to take part in the appeal to help provide funds for ex-service people.

“Every year we get a really good response from the people in Bury. I hope to see as many local townspeople as possible wearing their poppies with pride and turning out to the service and parade on Remembrance Sunday.”

In the run-up to Remembrance Sunday on November 10, poppies will be on sale throughout the borough.

Last year, generous residents helped to raise a huge £78,966.22 for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal in the Bury district, which covers the town of Bury and rural districts of Tottington, Walshaw, Hawkshaw, Greenmount, Affetside and Ainsworth.

Cllr Holt said: “It is absolutely vital that we support the Poppy Appeal to raise money, and also for the significance of remembering the sacrifice made by servicemen and women through the decades.”