Crowds of shoppers and visitors in High Wycombe town centre stopped to observe the launch of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal today.

The great and the good of Wycombe gathered together in the town to kick-off this year’s appeal in a bid to raise thousands of pounds for the RBL charity.

Serving personnel and town dignitaries, including MP Steve Baker and High Wycombe mayor Cllr Mohammed Hanif, walked through the town centre during a poignant parade this morning.

Dozens of people stopped to watch and clap as the group made their way into The Eden Shopping Centre where they delivered a series of speeches explaining to the public why it is important to “remember those who lost their lives for our freedom”.

Cllr Hanif, the honorary president of the 2015 Poppy Appeal, said: “It is a great occasion. It is really important that everyone recognises the importance of it and honour those who sacrificed their lives for us.

“These events usually raise a lot of money for charity too and that is what it’s all about.

“Hopefully we will see a lot of people throughout the town wearing poppies and showing their support.”

During the appeal last year about £48,000 was raised for the High Wycombe branch of the RBL, with organisers hopeful that once again they will receive support from residents.

Kevin Taylor said: “It has been an absolutely marvellous event. The support we get from High Wycombe is always fantastic.

“This year we’ve got great support from members of the public, dignitaries and from serving RAF personnel, cadets and scouts.

“For us it’s the best part of the year and it is always nice to see a lot of support.”

He added that they have received help from The Eden Shopping Centre who allowed shops to be decorated with poppies during the campaign for donations.

Later today, the party will move to Adams Park and take to the pitch at half-time during Wycombe Wanderers’ match against Carlisle.

As well as collecting money before and during the game, a bugle rendition of the Last Post will be sounded during the break.

The appeal will culminate at Remembrance Sunday on November 8, which will this year take place for the first time at the new war memorial in High Wycombe Cemetery, which was unveiled earlier this year.

Wycombe District Council chairman, Cllr Ian McEnnis – who served in the RAF for more than 30 years - says he is hopeful more people will support the cause during the proceedings on Armistice Day.

He added: “Having been in the RAF for so many years I feel very proud and honoured to be a part of these wonderful event.

“We recently held a parade for the Battle of Britain and a lot of people were involved in that. It is just important that we never forget.”

Amongst other well-known people from High Wycombe’s history to speak during the event today, was the High Wycombe RBL president, 101-year-old Monty Seymour.

Afterwards, he said that the Legion has been a great part of his life and that he was very proud to see so many people attending.

As well as supporting the Poppy Appeal, RBL members are keen to see more people sign-up and take part in upcoming events.

For more information about the work they do, visit www.britishlegion.org.uk