AS the Ipswich Poppy Appeal goes from strength to strength The Evening Star is today enabling readers to back the collection by buying their favourite newspaper.

AS the Ipswich Poppy Appeal goes from strength to strength The Evening Star is today enabling readers to back the collection by buying their favourite newspaper.

For every copy of The Star bought on Armistice Day - Saturday - a penny will be sent to the appeal which goes towards helping war veterans and their families.

Last year the appeal raised a record amount of £50,000 from the sales of poppies at almost 700 points from all around Ipswich including schools, shops, garages and businesses.

This year the Ipswich appeal was launched on October 25 at the Cornhill, by veterans, standard bearers and cadets.

Organisers say this year's event has got off to a good start and they hope to raise several thousand pounds before the end of sales on midnight on Remembrance Sunday, November 12.

Eric Eke, acting chairman for the Royal British Legion, said: “Everyone involved has been very busy collecting and the public have been very generous.

“We have around 600 collection tins in the town which the team of volunteers are using to collect more donations.

“We hope to beat last year's record.”

The Royal British Legion is the UK's leading charity providing financial, social and emotional support to millions who have served and are currently serving in the Armed Forces, as well as their dependants.