The first poppy will be handed over to the Lord Mayor of Bradford on Monday.

Barbara Allsopp, organiser of the city’s Poppy Appeal, will officially hand over the iconic red flower to Councillor Khadim Hussain in City Hall in keeping with the Bradford Royal British Legion branch’s long-standing tradition and marking the start of this year’s appeal.

Volunteers are being sought to help with collections at Asda at Shipley and Lidget Green, Tesco in Queensbury and Great Horton, Morrisons at Five Lane Ends and Thornbury and Sainsbury’s at Greengates and at the Kirkgate Centre on the last Saturday in October and on the first two weekends of November.

Volunteers should be aged 18 or over. Call (01274) 726020 for more information.