CIVIC dignitaries have joined forces to launch the annual poppy appeal as the district prepares to remember its war heroes on Armistice Day.

Wyre Forest MP David Lock and Kidderminster mayor Nigel Knowles joined Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal chairman Stan Voss at the town hall.

They were promoting the RBL Poppy Day, which this year will take place on Armistice Day on Saturday, November 11, when collectors old and new will be on hand at the RAFA Club in New Road, Kidderminster, between 9am and 3pm.

A remembrance service will also be held at Kidderminster's War Memorial on Sunday, November 12.

The public can pay their respects at a civic parade and church service, which will be held at St Mary's Church that day. People are asked to assemble at New Road car park at 10.15am or at the memorial at 10.45am.

Meanwhile, on the same day in Bewdley, a parade will start from Bridge House car park in Riverside North, led by the Bewdley Scout and Guide Band.

The public are asked to gather at Bridge House at 10.30am before a memorial service takes place at St Anne's Church at 11am.

At 4.15pm there will be another wreath-laying service at All Saints Church in Wribbenhall followed by an evening service.

In Stourport a two-minute silence will be held at the War Memorial in Vale Road at 11am on November 11.

Before that a civic parade will pass Severn Road, Mitton Street and Vale Road from 10.30am, before the two-minute silence and wreath laying.

After the remembrance, the parade will be dismissed for a service at St Wulstan's RC Church at 11.15am, before continuing through High Street, York Street and Lichfield Street.

And Royal British Legion calls for everybody to observe a two-minute silence on November 11 have been backed by Wyre Forest District Council.