Ashby Royal British Legion launched its Poppy Appeal in the town over the weekend - with a renewed push to raise awareness and attract new members.

Legion members will be setting up stands in local supermarkets, namely Derby Road Co-op, Tesco and Aldi, over the next two weeks ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

County Councillor Dan Harrison is the new branch chairman, while organiser Peter Edwards has been attracting support for the appeal locally.

Peter explained what has been happening with the Royal British Legion in the town.

He added: "The official launch date was last Thursday, the 26th.

"But the area launch was on Saturday, and we've been getting the message out in the stores.

"We want people to come along, buy a poppy and remember.

"There are also local businesses who have tins and boxes and poppies, as well as distributing to schools in the area along with local businesses.

"One business in particular I would like to mention is McVities biscuit factory which has made a significant donation to the Ashby appeal.

"I've been visiting local businesses to explain what we're doing, and would they like a tin to help out.

"It's the first time I've become this involved in the Ashby poppy appeal. We'll be visible in Ashby up until the Remembrance Parade on November 12."

Long-serving member, and former Mayor, Graham Allman is also involved, along with ex-Navy serviceman Brian Senton, who will be 90 in January.

Cllr Harrison, a former Leicestershire County Council chairman, said: "This is a massive job and Peter's put a lot of fantastic work in. It's a really big job.

"As new chairman of Ashby Royal British Legion, I'm expressing my thanks to him.

"But I want to say how important this event is. It commemorates those who gave their today for tomorrow.

"It also brings all aspects of the community together, there's no bias anywhere and it opens up some amazing doors.

"We're really proud of our parade in Ashby, and it's important to get across the generosity and support of the people of the town.

"This breaks free of the usual local politics. We're having a renewed push towards the Poppy Appeal, with a new format and different people with new skills."

Mr Allman made the point that you do not need to have served in the forces to be a member of the British Legion, or get involved.

He said: "What's interesting is that neither, myself, Dan nor Peter have served, and we're trying to get that over to the general population that the Legion is open to everybody.

"Veterans are very important, that's who we do it for, but anyone can join."

Mr Senton has been involved with the British Legion in Ashby since 1997.

He said: "We decided to fish around, get a new committee and start up again in Ashby. I asked who the chairman was, and they said I was."

Cllr Harrison emphasised that the Ashby Legion would like new members.

He said: "We meet on the first Tuesday of the month and anybody will be welcome.

"If they believe in honouring those who've gone before us and want to support that, they they can join It's a really good community."

To become involved with the Ashby RBL, email: [email protected].