POPPY-SELLERS are urgently needed to help out ex-servicemen who have grown too old to go out and ask for donations in Bromsgrove.

The Royal British Legion relies on the sale of poppies each November to carry on its work with the families of people in the armed forces who have given their lives.

But the ex-service men and women have reached a "very advanced age," according to John Spencer, who is Poppy Appeal organiser of the Aston Fields branch.

"They are not capable of going out and asking the public to donate towards the Poppy Appeal," he said.

And Fred Pearson, poppy appeal organiser for the Bromsgrove branch, said the Legion was having trouble attracting younger members.

"If you were in the Second World War, you're in your late 70s or early 80s now," he said. "You can't expect them to go collecting house to house. It's also dangerous these days. I don't advise any collectors to go out at night."

He said the Legion would be going to South Bromsgrove High School on October 23 to try and get sixth formers to help out. The town centre collection is set to take place on November 8, just before the 82nd anniversary of the Legion's formation on November 11.

It continues to help dependents of those killed serving in conflicts, including two World Wars, Korea, Kenya, Cyprus, Kosovo, the Falklands, the Gulf and now Iraq.

Mr Spencer wants volunteers to help sell poppies door-to-door on October 25 and 26 and November 1 and 2. He can be contacted on 01527 832414 (evenings).