A WIRRAL marine maimed while on duty in Afghanistan joined Tranmere Rovers' midfielders Jason Koumas and Marc Laird to launch the club's Poppy Appeal campaign.

Former Lance Corporal Pete Dunning visited Prenton Park this morning to help members of Micky Adams' squad launch their eighth fundraising drive for the Royal British Legion.

The team will wear a special one-off shirt with a poppy printed on the front during their home game against Stevenage this Saturday, November 1.

There will also be poppy appeal collection at the match. Following the match, the shirts will be auctioned with all proceeds going to the Poppy Appeal.

Veterans who have served abroad will also take part in a guard of honour.

It is part of a fun day of events that will see the unveiling of a bronze statue to legendary Rovers' manager Johnny King prior to the match, which kicks off at 3pm.

Pete, from Wallasey, was on tour with the Royal Marines when he caught in an explosion in May 2008 and lost both his legs. After months of painful rehabilitation he was fitted with prosthetic limbs.

He has also had help and support from The Royal British Legion since he was injured.

Pete, who has taken on the role of regional fundraiser for the charity, told the Globe: "It's great, from being at the other end of the barrier, so to speak, to get an insight into the amazing work that goes into the two week poppy appeal.

"I want to thank everyone in Merseyside and Cheshire, who helped us raise over £1m last year. I hope this support is even greater this year. It's a great charity and I hope it continues to go from strength to strength."

Prenton Park's football operations manager and club secretary Mick Horton said: "We've being supporting the Poppy Appeal with this special event for more than five years now and it a pleasure to be involved again. All proceeds will go to help the Royal British Legion's work.

"Our advice to supporters is 'get here early, because it's going to be a great day."

Lnce Cpl Dunning was serving with the Royal Marines Armoured Support Company on OP HERRICK 8, supporting 2 Para. On May 25, 2008 he had just finished his last mission and was returning to Camp Bastion.

As he was about to cross the Helmand River the armoured vehicle he was travelling in struck an IED.

The driver died instantly and Pete lost both of his legs, fractured his spine and received burns to his arms and legs, among other injuries.

Both Pete, wife Laura and their children are ambassadors for The Royal British Legion.

Further details on how to bid for one of the special shirts will appear on tranmererovers.co.uk