This November, a legion of ordinary people, from teens to those in their 90s, will take to the streets of Oxfordshire on a mission.

Standing sentinel in our supermarkets, on our High Streets or going door to door, these are Oxfordshire’s poppy sellers – part of the Royal British Legion’s national Poppy Appeal — and the main reason why Oxfordshire alone raised a staggering £435,114 in 2009/2010.

Wheelchair-bound, Army veteran Robert Newton, 60, from Grove, will spend 12 hours a day selling poppies in Wantage.

While the young Abingdon Sea Cadets will be shaking poppy collecting tins in the town centre – whatever the weather. Chef Stuart Clarke, 20, will do his “bit” selling poppies in Woodstock High Street.

And 85-year-old Enid Jerrams will be selling poppies for her 53rd year.

With these people’s help, millions of pounds will be raised by the Royal British Legion (RBL) for vital work in helping former and current service families, struggling with disability and financial problems.

But this year, the RBL has issued a plea for more help.

Laura Laffan, 26, Oxfordshire’s new community fundraiser, explained.

“Our volunteers and supporters form the backbone of the Legion. Without them we would miss not just the money they raise on our behalf, but the enthusiasm and human touch they bring to the work they do for us.

“But Yarnton, Arncott and District, Littlemore, Culham and Burford and District are all without Poppy Organisers this year and we need people to come forward and get involved if we are to make our appeal as successful as in previous years.”

You don’t need to be a member of The Royal British Legion or have served in the Armed Forces to volunteer for the appeal, and whether you can give just a few hours or more there are always ways you can get involved, from helping to collect at a supermarket, to delivering poppies to schools or even becoming a Poppy Appeal Organiser for your area.

Poppy Appeal Organisers (PAOs) co-ordinate the appeal in local areas: organising volunteers; distributing collecting trays to businesses and keeping them stocked up and collecting and banking the Poppy money raised by the collectors.

While poppy collectors form the “front line” of the annual appeal – in selling poppies they help raise the millions of pounds the Legion spends each year on its welfare work, whilst also reminding the public about the importance of Remembrance.

Ms Laffan added: “Whatever you can offer is appreciated and makes a difference to servicemen and women’s lives.”

l To volunteer or find out more, call Oxfordshire Royal British Legion on 01844 216961.

CASE STUDY THERE may be 65 years between them, but Enid Jerrams and Stuart Clarke are the perfect ambassadors for Oxfordshire’s poppy crew. Mrs Jerrams, 85, began selling poppies with her mother when she was just eight years old. She has now been selling poppies in Woodstock for 52 years. She said: “I remember standing on the street with my mother in Charlbury. They only sold on November 11 back then and people came to buy them while I stood at her side and watched. “Up until a few years ago I sold poppies house to house, but the steps and long driveways have become a bit much and I now stand and sell them on the High Street. “I love doing it. My father fought in the Great War and my brother came back injured from World War Two. “I think they and my mum would have been proud to see me selling poppies — I’ll do it for as long as I can.” Stuart Clarke, 20, from Heyford, has been selling poppies in Woodstock or Ardley each year since he was just 15. A chef at the Black Prince in Woodstock, he said: “I collect for an hour or so and I feel proud to do it. Kids ask me about the poppies and I tell them why we sell them. It’s a shame when people don’t know what poppies represent – they should do. “I’ve been a member of the Legion since I was about 15 and I’d love to see other young people coming forward for the Legion’s vital work. It’s an hour or so, during one week in November and then you are done – simple as that!” Jean Hollis, Woodstock’s Poppy Appeal Organiser said: “We are proud of all our collectors and volunteers. I’ve been in this role 10 years and during this time have collected £100,000.”