Take nine girls called Poppy, a Formula One Racing Driver tipped as a future world champion, a handful of military cadets, an enormous polystyrene flower and a media scrum and what have you got? The launch of the regional Poppy Appeal at Bicester Garrison, that's what, writes George Frew.

Having enjoyed a debut Formula One season which surpassed everyone's expectations including his own 20-year-old Jenson Button agreed to support the efforts of the Royal British Legion in their annual fundraising drive.

The nine human Poppys as opposed to 'poppies' ranged in age from two to 40. Resplendent in red and black, they sat around the officer's mess awaiting the arrival of celebrity Jenson yesterday.

Royal British Legion County field officer Craig Treeby had decided to ask Jenson to become involved because of two reasons.

He said: Jenson lives locally, he's young and well-known and we wanted to put the accent on youth, because the Legion and Poppy Day is always associated with old people. That's why in the past, we've had people like the Spice Girls and Westlife involved. It's important that young people know what this is all about. Jenson was my own choice." As the media set up their gear and swapped small talk, the proud parents of the Poppys kept their charges in order, while the cadets all members of the Lord Lieutenant's scheme stood around looking very straight-backed and military in their pristine uniforms.

Mark Goodchild, 20, of Witney, is an RAF supply officer and a cadet warrant officer.

"I think the Poppy Appeal is a very worthwhile cause, he said. Cadet petty officer Aimee Clapton, of Banbury, 17, agreed: "Young people should be made aware of the Legion's work and remember those who gave their lives for freedom." With the young person of the moment due to arrive at any minute, the TV crews began setting up their lights. Every year, the Poppy Appeal raises about 18m but the Legion will spend 30m on the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families. It's a year-round fundraising effort.

The soft roar of a BMW sports engine announced the arrival of the man who will drive for Benetton next season accompanied by his personal assistant.

Craig Treeby did the introductions. "Jenson is making a quick pit-stop here before going on to the motor show in Birmingham," he announced.

And in he came, this abundantly talented local hero, dapper in a designer black suit and white T-shirt and the obligatory poppy, of course. First, he posed with the cadets and the human Poppys. At one point, the smallest Poppy grew bored with the proceedings and decided to crawl off. Restored to the photographic fold, she simply scrunched herself up into a ball and hid her face from the cameras, despite the best efforts of her parents.

"Start smiling, Jenson," said one of the Press snappers. Jenson duly obliged. "This is my cheesy grin," he told them.

The photographers decided to move the Big Polystyrene poppy back to where it was and requested Jenson to pose in front of it. "Won't it be too dark here?" he asked, showing a rapidly developing media awareness. Then they asked him to pose with a collecting tin, which he happily did. It would be difficult to conceive of, say Herr Michael Schumacher acceeding to such a request.

With the Press happy, Jenson began signing autographs and posing for more fan pictures. A child gave him a plastic Formula One car and he smiled. "Look at this," he said to his PA. "Sweet."

There is no question that Jenson Button has a pleasant way with people. People of all ages.

And if this helps boost the Poppy Day Appeal, and raise the awareness about those who gave their lives for this country, then everyone's a winner.

And what we have is a Formula for success. Lest we forget...