Cadets to help British Legion sell poppys

Blackburn Cadets are to help the Royal British Legion by selling remembrance poppys in Darwen town centre this year.

The help comes after fears the Darwen branch may have to close because its members were getting too old and dwindling volunteers threatened to adversely affect the towns poppy campaigns.

Darwen branch treasurer Bryan Thompson warned the town in August that without additional volunteers the group may have to discontinue despite being in existence since 1921. However, ex-president Raymond Taylor told us things are starting to improve now.

"The cadets are going to help with this years poppy campaign" he told us.

"We still need as much help as we can get but we're still going despite facing hard times. Members are getting older and although I still help out I can't do quite as much as I used to"

They are still looking to recruit volunteers and Mr Taylor added "We need to keep the Darwen branch going"

Last year they raised over £10,000 through the town's poppy appeal and they are hoping to have a permanent war memorial built in Darwen town centre.

How do you support the poppy appeal?