THE Poppy Appeal is launched today and our readers are being urged to show their support in a new way during the pandemic.

With many unable to leave their homes as they normally would to find a poppy because of social distancing measures, and many of the charity's collectors unable to carry out face to face collections, the Royal British Legion needs you to back the appeal like never before as it unveils a range of new ways for people to show their support remotely.

From donating for poppies through the post for their neighbours and local community, displaying a poppy in their window, donating online or undertaking a virtual Poppy run, a number of options for available to support the Poppy Appeal from home in line with Covid-19 restrictions.

Paper poppies will also be on sale in supermarkets including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons, Aldi and Asda stores as well as via online retailers including the Poppy Shop, Amazon and eBay. Customers will also be able to donate at the till point in Sainsbury's and Morrisons.

The appeal ends on Armistice Day (Wednesday, November 11).

Donations are used to provide life-long support to serving and ex-serving members of the British Armed Forces, their families and dependants through hardships, injuries and bereavements.

Full details on the many ways you can support this year's appeal are at: www.rbl.org.uk/poppyappeal

The Legion's fundraising campaign also features a series of photographic portraits of serving Armed Forces personnel, Second World War veterans and Poppy Appeal collectors.

Taken in the streets, doorways and windows of those featured, they provide a snapshot into the lives of the Armed Forces community during the pandemic and the impact of Covid-19 on the Poppy Appeal.

Reflecting the change in what people's homes and streets have come to mean to them during the Covid-19 pandemic, the series of portraits tell the stories of real people for whom every poppy counts this year.

Among them are Barry and Tricia Oldham, who have been collecting for the Poppy Appeal in their local village for ten years.

Both in their 70s, the couple are now shielding and unable to offer their usual support. Nonetheless they have rallied their local community and are encouraging their friends and neighbours to get behind the campaign digitally and make their donations online.

Also featured in the campaign is 29-year-old Lawrence Philips, a former soldier who credits the Legion with saving his life during the pandemic.

Pictured with fiancée Danielle, the couple benefited from money raised by the Poppy Appeal when Lawrence received vital support from the Legion whilst he was unemployed and struggling with serious debts.

The Royal British Legion's director of fundraising, Claire Rowcliffe said: "In a year where our homes and streets have developed new meaning for us all, and with many people not able to donate in their usual way, we are bringing the Poppy Appeal 2020 right to the hearts of individuals, families and communities across the UK with a variety of ways for people to get involved, whatever their circumstances.

"The pandemic has had a devastating impact on people's livelihoods and way of life, leaving some in the Armed Forces community in dire need of urgent help and support.

"We are seeing people struggling to cope with the loss of loved ones, facing homelessness and unemployment, and battling mental health issues.

"Whilst you may have to do something different to support the Poppy Appeal this year, every poppy counts so we’re asking people to please support us in any way you can.”

Second World War Veteran Bill Taylor who was on board the cruiser HMS Emerald defending the D-Day beaches, and is also featured in the launch images said: "This year has been very tough having been unable to go out, meet with friends and mark significant anniversaries.

"I admire those who have been on the front line dealing with this terrible virus day-to-day. They have shown the same sense of duty that my generation did during the Second World War, they are the ones now protecting our society.

"So, although I won't be able to march up to the local memorial this year to remember those we have lost, I will proudly observe the silence on my doorstep and wear my poppy, as I do every year, with pride."