SIR – The Royal British Legion South & West Yorkshire are preparing to launch this year’s Poppy Appeal tomorrow. I am writing to ask your readers for their continued support for the appeal.

Last year the national Poppy Appeal raised in excess of £36.8 million thanks to the generosity of the public and the support of many thousands of volunteers.

Once again, for this year’s Poppy Appeal, the Legion is focusing on its support for the Afghan generation of the Armed Forces family. Since 2003, the Legion has helped more than 10,000 serving, ex-service and family members who are part of the Afghan and Iraq generation. With the Afghan conflict continuing, it is inevitable this number will rise and the Legion intends to be there for them and their families today and for the rest of their lives.

The Royal British Legion is continuing with its ‘Poppy People’ campaign again this year to try and recruit desperately-needed volunteers. Anyone over 16 can help, they only need to ring freephone 0800 0855924. Poppies are available to the public from hundreds of outlets in the Bradford district and I urge you to give generously. Your continued support is vital to enable the Royal British Legion to carry on its invaluable work.

Councillor Khadim Hussain, Lord Mayor of Bradford