RESIDENTS are being called on to help mark a century since the poppy became the nation’s symbol of remembrance.

Hampshire’s Royal British Legion will gather for the special launch of this year’s Poppy Appeal, which it hopes will raise more money than ever before.

Winston Churchill and General Montgomery lookalikes will join the launch, which takes place on a train at the Watercress steam railway, in Alresford.

Every year a national appeal leading up to Remembrance Sunday on November 11 raises around £35million to support the Armed Forces past and present, and their families through poppies being sold all over Hampshire.

The Mid Hants Railway station, in Alresford, was chosen for the launch this Friday because of its links to the First World War when it was involved in transporting injured troops and in the build-up to D-Day in the Second World War.

Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire Brigadier David Harrison, the president of Hampshire Royal British Legion, will lead the launch, which will also feature period music and a large poppy attached to the steam train.

The Royal British Legion’s director of fundraising Charles Byrne said: “The poppy is a powerful symbol which is worn to commemorate all those who have fought and died in our Armed Forces and show support for those still serving today and their loved ones.

“We’re encouraging people to dig deep for this year’s Poppy Appeal to help us raise £40million, so we can continue providing our vital support to individuals whether they’re still serving, transitioning back to civilian life or have left the Services and, importantly, their families too.”

In August the country marked 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War.