ON Saturday we reported on the opening of the £2.8m repatriation centre at RAF Brize Norton, a poignant reminder of the ongoing need to care for our armed forces.

With Oxfordshire set to be the UK home of repatriations for those killed in Afghanistan, our report today on the much loved Poppy Appeal makes for worrying reading.

Volunteers are desperately being sought to co-ordinate the appeals in parts of the county, with one warning that £30,000 is at stake.

The Royal British Legion, celebrating its 90th year, needs the support of Oxfordshire more than ever and we today report on stories that should inspire volunteers into action. Enid Jerrams and Stuart Clarke, for example, may have 65 years between them, but they are united by one common cause – helping our brave troops. With calls for The Big Society to come to communities’ aid, demands on peoples’ spare time is greater than ever.

But we urge you all to consider helping the Poppy Appeal in the coming months. Even if you just buy a Poppy, you are helping propel the RBL towards 100 glorious years.