POPPY appeal organisers in Evesham are hoping to make it a bumper year for armed forces veterans.

The annual appeal is launched this Saturday and the Royal British Legion hopes to avoid a repeat of last year when thieves stole eight collection boxes from businesses in the town.

Despite the thefts, which took place from outlets including Safeway, Halfords, Hampton's newsagents, and even an undertaker's, generous Evesham folk helped raise a total of £11,000 for the charity through street, shop and house-to-house collections.

In Pershore, the Legion collected almost £9,000. Nationally the appeal - celebrating its 80th birthday - raised more than £21million, and organisers hope to top that in 2002.

Noel Wilkes, Poppy Appeal co-ordinator for Evesham, said he had explored ways of securing the collecting tins, but hoped people's honesty would get the better of them this year.

"We'll have to trust people because there's very little we can do to secure them. It means I'll have to go round every other day and make sure not too much cash is left in them. We need shops to be vigilant. Someone must see these thieves."

A street collection will be held in the town's High Street on Friday and Saturday, November 8 and 9.

Evesham could also do with more volunteers to help with house-to-house collections, particularly in the Fairfield area. Anyone who can help, should call Mr Wilkes on 01386 442520.

Meanwhile in Pershore, the street collection will be held on November 9.

Members of the Legion's women's section will also man Pershore's Garden of Remembrance in the High Street on November 8 and 9, where people can buy a cross to remember a loved one.