(Image: Peter Byrne/PA)
A six-year-old fundraiser has helped launch this year’s Poppy Appeal.
Ivy Knighton-Leake, from Bradford, is one of the Royal British Legion’s (RBL) youngest collectors and began supporting the campaign after seeing her father, ex-serviceman Steve Knighton, take part.
The 2026 appeal was launched in Manchester on Thursday, where Ivy was presented with a special poppy made from the metal of Second World War Spitfires by Private Katie Brazier from the Royal Anglian Regiment.
Mr Knighton said: "Ivy got herself involved.
"I showed her that I was going to be going and collecting and she saw the stalls a couple of years ago and she said 'can I join you, can I have a poppy shop?'
"As an ex-serviceperson it's really important to me and I also benefitted from the services of the British Legion when I first left the military, so I feel like I owe a debt to them and I'm paying it back."
Her mother, Kimberley Leake, stated the appeal helps maintain a vital family connection.
Ms Leake said: "It’s so important to me: I had a father and grandfathers who served in the military and (it is) keeping that connection alive for the younger generation to know important the appeal is."
Private Brazier said it was "incredible" to meet Ivy and present her with the poppy, adding: "It's an absolute privilege."
The focus of this year’s campaign is on the families of armed forces personnel and the sacrifices they make to support their loved ones in service.
Representatives from the Royal Navy, Army, and RAF will deliver three more specially created poppies to forces families at launch events in North Wales, Shropshire, and London.
The Poppy Appeal, first launched in 1921, aims to raise more than £50 million this year to support serving personnel, veterans, and their families.
Among the campaign’s supporters is actress Dame Joanna Lumley, whose father served as a major in the 6th Gurkha Rifles.
Dame Joanna said: "When someone serves, their loved ones share in the uncertainty, the time apart and the sacrifices that come with it.
"I'd encourage everyone to get behind the Royal British Legion this year and show their support."
Lucy Inskip, director of the Poppy Appeal, said: "This year, we're proud to be highlighting that when someone serves, their family serves too, recognising the families behind those who serve and the unique sacrifices they make."