Poppies were paraded through the streets of High Wycombe and on to Adams Park as The Royal British Legion launched its annual appeal at the weekend.

This year’s Poppy Appeal launch took place in the town centre on Saturday, with a special procession being led from The Chilterns Shopping Centre, to Eden and then on to Adams Park.

Crowds lined the streets to watch the parade and cadets from local squadrons offered poppies to members of the public in exchange for donations.

Bucks Free Press:

There were speeches from Sir Henry Aubry Fletcher, the Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, and David Johnson, county vice chairman of the Royal British Legion in Buckinghamshire.

Wing Commander John Riddell, station commander of RAF High Wycombe and Kevin Taylor, organiser of the Poppy Appeal in the town and chairman of the High Wycombe Branch of The Royal British Legion were at the event.

Joe Barclay, high sheriff of Buckinghamshire and the town’s mayor, councillor Khalil Ahmed, who is the honorary president of the High Wycombe Poppy Appeal, were also there.

Mr Johnson said: “One hundred years ago our nation, along with so many others, embarked on what was described as ‘the war to end all wars’.

“From those world changing events our nation watched in awe at the personal sacrifice that was made by so many, the seeds of Remembrance were sown and the formation of the British Legion followed.

“Since then the British Legion has continuously supported our brave armed forces, who have continued with their awe inspiring work.

“Our support today is as important as it was 100 years ago and the public support for the annual Poppy Appeal is truly overwhelming.

“The public and the nation are sincerely humbled by the dedication of our armed forces around the world on a daily basis. Donating for a poppy is the nation’s way of giving something back.

“The British Legion has pledged money and support for today’s and tomorrow’s armed forces through resettlement schemes and the Battleback centres of excellence.

“We will continue to support service personnel, veterans and families and we are actively lobbying the government to take action to improve the health, finances and well being of serving personnel, past and present, and their families.

“For the service personnel who have been injured for the rest of their life and for the dependents of those service personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

“We could not achieve this without the amazing support that is shown by‎ the general public to the annual appeal and I would like to take this opportunity to say a personal thank you to everyone who gives so generously.”

Mr Taylor added: “High Wycombe and Wycombe Wanderers have always been extremely supportive and generous for the annual Poppy Appeal.

“I know this tradition will continue and we are pleased to again be at Adams Park. High Wycombe and Wanderers can say with pride – we will remember them, today, tomorrow, always. Thank you.”

The collection from the football match raised £643.72 for the Poppy Appeal.