VETERANS of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan need you!

That is the rallying call to residents across Bury to support the Royal British Legion's annual Poppy Appeal which raises much needed funds to provide financial, social and emotional support to millions who have served and are currently serving in the Armed Forces, and their dependents.

And the gauntlet has been thrown down for fundraisers to beat the record breaking £32,000 raised in the borough last year.

Lt Colonel Eric Davidson (Rtd) is the co-ordinator of the Bury Royal British Legion (RBL) Poppy Appeal. He said: "Currently, nearly 10.5 million people are eligible for our support and we receive thousands of calls for help every year. The Legion was founded in 1921 as a voice for the ex-service community and more than 450,000 members continue to ensure that this voice does not go unheard. Although the needs of ex-Service people have changed over the years, we are still there to safeguard their welfare, interests and memory. British service people are in action around the world every day of the year.

"They know that if they need our support - now or in the future - the Legion is always on active duty for them."

The 2006 Poppy Appeal was launched on Tuesday at Bury Town Hall by Lt Col Davidson and the Mayor and Mayoress of Bury, Councillor Jack and Mrs Pat Walker.