AS PATRON of the Harrogate Poppy Appeal, may I through your newspaper express my gratitude to all those who helped last year in raising the magnificent sum of £51,534 in the Harrogate area for the Poppy Appeal.

The Royal British Legion is now working up to this year’s period of Remembrance and the Poppy Appeal and may I, therefore, once again ask for the support of the people of Harrogate.

The work of the Poppy Appeal is carried out by volunteers with tasks including selling poppies on the street as well as in the shops, making up and dispatching of poppies, delivering to shops and businesses and then the collection afterwards.

As Patron, I am inviting all those who are able to help to contact the Poppy Appeal organiser for the Harrogate area – Mr Colin Skinner on 07904 448256 for further information.

The period of Remembrance begins with the dedication of the Garden of Remembrance at St Peter’s Church at 11am on Monday, October 26, when everyone is welcome to attend and lay crosses in the Garden.

Poppies will be on sale from Monday, October 26 until Saturday, November 7.