Leicestershire residents are being encouraged light up their businesses and offices in red to show support for the Royal British Legion in the run up to Remembrance Sunday.

County Hall will be lit up in red to raise awareness for the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal in its 100th year, as Leicestershire County Council leads the charge in the run up to Remembrance Sunday.

The Royal British Legion has been selling poppies since it was created in 1921 to raise money to support those who have fought or are fighting for our country.

The council is calling for people across Leicestershire to join in the effort by illuminating their own businesses, offices, pubs, churches and community centres each evening between now and Remembrance Sunday.

Last year, over 30 buildings supported the effort and, this year, the council is hoping even more will take part.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur OBE, said: "Once again this year, we are calling on organisations across the city and county to light up their buildings in red as an eye-catching way to honour those who gave their lives in conflict.

"I hope that by illuminating some of our buildings in this way, it will provide a simple but powerful expression of our community's support for the Poppy Appeal."

Royal British Legion Leicestershire chairman Colonel Robert Martin added: "In the centenary year of the Poppy Appeal, the Royal British Legion is delighted that organisations in the city and county once again want to show their appreciation and support in such a symbolic way for the men and women of Her Majesty's Armed Forces who have selflessly and courageously served our country."

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The traditional memorial service will be held again this year at the Stand Easy memorial at County Hall, after it was cancelled last year due to the pandemic.

It will begin at 10.55am on Thursday November 11 and will incorporate the laying of wreaths and a two-minute silence at 11am.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire Mike Kapur OBE, High Sheriff of Leicestershire Ian Mattioli MBE and Ashby councillor and Chairman of Leicestershire County Council Dan Harrison will be joined by representatives of veterans' associations, the Royal British Legion, serving members of the armed forces and cadets.