TOWNSFOLK are being urged to remember ex-service men and women by purchasing a poppy.

Bromsgrove District Council chairman Cllr Mike Gill (Con, Woodvale) and the Royal British Legion local Poppy Appeal organiser Mary Joy placed a wreath at the Oddfellows Memorial, in High Street, to kick start the campaign.

Mrs Joy said: "We have had it brought to our notice, very forcibly recently, that the services may be involved in action at a moment's notice.

"Ex-service people are not just those from the two world wars."

If you would like to help, the appeal is short of collectors particularly for the Kidderminster Road and Deansway area and also on Poppy Day, which is Saturday November 10.

Mrs Joy added: "We would be delighted to welcome anyone who can spare 30 minutes out of the year to collect to help those to whom we owe so much."

If you can help, call (01527) 871604.