THE poppy appeal in Worcestershire was officially launched in a city centre ceremony today.

Residents gathered outside the Guildhall, in Worcester, to witness the launch event.

Local dignitaries joined bikers, former soldiers and cadets in an effort to encourage donations to the Royal British Legion (RBL).

Robin Walker, MP for Worcester, said: "Today was fantastically well attended.

"There was a big crowd. It's unusual for Worcester to have the bikers as well as the cadets.

"I think this is a ceremony that does Worcester proud. I'm a member in the Royal British Legion Claines branch."

Mr Walker said the poppy represented the 'spirit of sacrifice' in the armed forces.

Maurice Smith, aged 88, secretary of Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association, said: "If we have any welfare cases we refer them to the Royal British Legion.

"Some people in our association have had help from the RBL. If there's some old soldier in dire straits at home and he gets onto us... they are referred to the RBL."

The former company sergeant major, from Kempsey, said about a dozen members of the association had attended the event.

Ewan Craig, aged 49, the Worcester representative for the Royal British Legion Riders Branch, said between 10 and 12 bikers took part in the ceremony.

He said: "We come down with the bikes and because everyone sees the bikes we get them in.

"The riders' branch is open to anybody. They don't have to be serving or ex-serving. I was in the Royal Corps of Transport for a couple of years.

"We go to different events throughout the year to raise for the poppy appeal. People get involved because they want to give something back, they know ex-servicemen may need support and help."

Mr Craig said the bikers sell items such as badges and lanyards for the RBL.

A period of silence was held while poppies were thrown out of the windows at the Guildhall and landed in the courtyard.

The main poppy appeal period will end on Remembrance Sunday (November 12 and donations will help to pay for retraining for ex-soldiers, dementia care homes, recover centres and more.

Cllr Steve Mackay, the Mayor of Worcester, also spoke at the event.