A ROYAL British Legion poppy shop has been opened by Colchester Mayor Helen Chuah in the run-up to Remembrance Day.
Paul Bentham, Lion Walk shopping centre manager, who served in the Army and the RAF, has donated a shop in Red Lion Yard.
Mr Bentham said: “Colchester is a proud garrison town and we have always been very generous during the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.
“I thought it was important the appeal had a high-profile shop in the heart of our town and I am sure it will boost this year’s total.”
Paul Thurston, Colchester Poppy Appeal organiser, said: “We know things are very tight financially for everyone at the moment, but we are saying please dig deep to help the heroes of all conflicts, from the most recent, to past battles.
“In this, the Royal British Legion’s 90th year, it is all about 90 years of heroes.”
Last year the Colchester branch raised £54,000.
The next two Saturdays will see Army, Sea and Air Force Cadets join volunteers at the shop, which is open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday.
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