I WOULD like to encourage readers to, once again, give as generously as possible to the Poppy Appeal.

The Royal British Legion will always be there, not only to help Servicemen affected by the World Wars but also those injured or traumatised in more recent operations in Afghanistan, Bosnia or Iraq, and to support their families during the transition to civilian life.

The Poppy Appeal is the primary source of funds to maintain the Legion's welfare and benevolent schemes help over 300,000 members of the ex-service community each year .

As the calls upon the Legion's services grow with each passing year the need for Poppy appeal funds increases. Making a contribution would be the most positive way of saying "thank you" to those who, 60 years ago, and more recently helped to win the freedom we now enjoy.

ROBERT WILKINSON, Chairman, Lancashire County Council.