VOLUNTEERS who organise the Poppy Appeal in Swindon are calling on people around the town to support them after a difficult year.

The Royal British Legion is celebrating its centenary this year but is struggling to recover from the loss of fundraising caused by Covid in 2020.

RBL Swindon secretary and veteran Bob Lane said: “The poppy appeal was not successful last year because of the pandemic. People wanted to buy a poppy but we couldn’t have veterans and scouts going around selling them like we usually would, though we still managed to raise £2,140 thanks to our committee.

“Our shop closed but we've been there throughout Covid helping people."

Stratton RBL president Mick Fry said: "The Legion became a place where veterans could speak to Bob, get hot food and receive help in other ways - we helped one person get a stairlift."

Don Bryden of KCJ Recruitments donated £500 to help things along and is calling on other businesses around Swindon to match his donation or contribute something towards this good cause.

He said: “It’s a cause that’s close to my heart because I served in the South African army, my operations manager Victor Jones served alongside me.

"I struggle with PTSD and not enough is done to help people with that."

Bob added: “The support we have had from Don, Tesco and other businesses has been fantastic.”

Anyone wishing to donate or help out in any other way should call 07943 782887 or email strattonstmargaret.secretary@rbl.community

The charity is celebrating its 100th anniversary with an event at the Swindon Rugby Club on October 2, with live music, a prize draw and two subsidised bars plus guests including two Chelsea pensioners and Shirley Ludford, the deputy lord lieutenant of Wiltshire.