Colchester’s Poppy Appeal has been officially launched with Colchester mayor Tim Young purchasing the first poppy of the year.

The event was staged at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester alongisde the Mercury’s executive director Steve Mannix.

Alongside them was Garrison commander Lieutenant Colonel Ed Rankin, High Steward Sir Bob Russell and Colchester MP Will Quince, who also purchased poppies.

The launch commemorates the long-established link between Colchester’s performing arts industry and the military.

On the Poppy Appeal, Mr  Mannix said: “We were delighted to host the launch of this year’s Poppy Appeal and mark the significant support that the Royal British Legion does on behalf of us all for veterans and serving personnel and their families.

“As the only theatre in the UK to have signed and achieved a Silver Armed Forces Covenant Award we very much value the contribution that the Armed Forces makes to Colchester and the region.”      

The poppies are available from supermarkets and stores, as well as the Poppy Appeal shop in Lion Walk.

Anyone interested in volunteering as a collector, or who would like to request poppies for their business or organisation can contact the Colchester branch secretary, at colchester.secretary@rbl.com.