THURROCK'S annual Poppy Appeal will be formally launched at Lakeside shopping centre next week.

Senior members of the Grays Thurrock Legion branch will be at Lakeside and will be joined by The Brownie Association, Thurrock Sea Cadets, Royal Marine Cadets, Army Cadet Force (ACF) Grays, Thurrock Scouts and Thurrock voices with displays and talks throughout the day.

A statement from the branch says: "As always, we aim to honour the exceptional dedication of our Armed Forces.

"They put everything on the line to protect us…..

"Wearing your Poppy shows you care. Come join us on Saturday, 28 October from 10am to 3pm on Level One of the Central Atrium at Lakeside Shopping Centre, where we will be displaying our "Poppy Army" that has been delicately decorated by our community.

"Our all new, plastic free, 100% recycled poppies will be available in all shops & schools from 28th October."

The success of last year's appeal brought a tribute to all concerned: View the story and images via this link.