(Image: Sunderland Council)
A North East city's annual Poppy Appeal has been launched, with residents urged to support veterans, serving personnel and their families by backing this year's fundraising campaign.
Sunderland Mayor Councillor Robert Hutchinson launched the appeal at City Hall by buying the city’s first poppy.
He was joined by Royal British Legion representatives Mark Walker, the Sunderland branch president, chair Steven Foster, Poppy Appeal manager Lisa Tempest-Hall and standard bearer Zachary Walker.
Cllr Hutchinson said: "The annual Poppy Appeal gives us the opportunity to remember and honour the service and sacrifice of our armed forces while supporting veterans and military families.
"Sunderland has a long-standing connection with the military and I know residents will once again show their generosity by supporting this year's appeal.
"Every contribution makes a difference."
Money raised from poppy sales in Sunderland will support the city’s veterans, serving personnel and their families.
Ms Tempest-Hall said: "When someone serves, their family serves too, facing unique challenges and sacrifices alongside their loved one.
"Every donation helps us support those who serve and their families, whatever the need, whenever it’s needed."
Mr Foster called it the Royal British Legion’s “biggest fundraising campaign of the year.”
He said: "We are incredibly grateful for the support it receives across Sunderland.
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"The money raised helps us continue providing lifelong support to the city’s serving personnel, veterans and their families when they need it most.
"We hope residents will once again get behind the appeal, wear their poppy with pride and help us make a real difference to the Armed Forces community."
He also thanked the Sir John Short RAOB club in Pallion for supporting this year’s appeal.