Preston North End Football Club are set to help the Preston branch of the Royal British Legion to launch the annual Poppy Appeal at their home match to QPR tomorrow.

The team will meet with Burma Star war veterans and Poppy Appeal volunteers, Ernie Cooke, 87, and John Hughes, 82, to purchase the first poppy.

A bucket collection will be at the ground for the Poppy Appeal with the Lancastrian Brigade Band and Corps of Drums providing half-time entertainment for the fans.

This year's campaign focuses on remembering the significance of the poppy and The Royal British Legion's commitment to supporting the men and women who have put their lives on the line for their nation both past and present.

The Legion aims to raise a nationwide total of £27.5 million through this year's Poppy Appeal which will allow us to increase the money spent on our welfare services, at a local level.

Georgina Ralston, community fundraiser for Lancashire, said: "We are delighted that Preston North End is launching Preston's Poppy Appeal, it will really give the campaign a massive boost!

"We'd also like to say a big thank you to the Lancastrian Brigade Band and Corps of Drums for supporting the Appeal and providing some fantastic entertainment.

"Last year we raised around £40,000 for our welfare work in Preston and this year we would like to raise even more.

"All Poppy Appeal money goes directly to the welfare so we're asking people to support us as generously as possible. "

Some 10.5 million serving and ex-service people and their families are eligible for Poppy Support, the Legion's range of welfare services, which includes grant-making to those in need, pensions and benefits advice, counselling and job retraining, home and hospital visits as well as the provision of full nursing care.

For more information on the Poppy Appeal click the link below or call 01257 793600.

Alternatively email GRalston@britishlegion.org.uk for details.