A POIGNANT ceremony officially launching this year’s Poppy Appeal has taken place in Chester.

Lord Mayor of Chester Eleanor Johnson joined soldiers from the 1st Battalion and The Royal Welch at Dale Barracks to remember those who gave their lives for their country.

Cllr Johnson met soldiers preparing to go back out to Afghanistan in the spring and pinned a poppy on to Fusilier James Buckley from Northop as a small wooden cross was planted alongside others already in place.

The crosses represented the numbers of servicemen and women who had lost their lives in Afghanistan.

The commanding officer and chairman of the Cheshire County Royal British Legion addressed the guests who included Poppy Appeal organisers from across Cheshire and Wirral who had gathered to see the appeal’s launch.

Last year the Cheshire Poppy Appeal raised a staggering £1m, with an incredible £36m being raised nationally.

Julie Dove, coordinator of the Cheshire Poppy Appeal, said: “The Legion spends more than £1.4m per week in its work helping more than 160,000 members of Armed Forces families.

“The people of Cheshire are generous and supportive of our cause and I’m confident that, despite the current economic situation, people across Cheshire will show their sympathy and support for those who have sacrificed on behalf of their country.”

Lt Col. Steve Webb, commanding officer of the Royal Welch, added: “It was a great honour to launch the Poppy Appeal here at the Dale and to commemorate those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan, by the planting of the remembrance crosses here at our memorial.”