THE St Neots Remembrance Day Poppy Appeal got underway this week after two volunteers responded to a Hunts Post appeal for a new co-ordinator.

Andrea Marr and Nigel Anthony of funeral directors TL Cobbold agreed jointly to oversee the town’s appeal, after the previous organiser Viv O’Neill stepped down for personal reasons.

But the pair are desperately seeking more volunteers who can spare a couple of hours in the run-up to November 11 to man the campaign’s stall at the Tesco store, in Barford Road.

“We are manning the collection point from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday in three slots – 10am to noon, noon to 2pm and 2pm to 4pm.

“More volunteers are needed to hand out poppies and collect money.”

The Hunts Post reported in August that the town’s poppy appeal was in danger of folding without someone at the helm. Mrs O’Neill continues to support the campaign in a lesser role.

Last year’s appeal in St Neots raised more than �18,000 for the Royal British Legion. As well as providing support for older veterans, the service charity works with serving members of the armed forces.

It has committed �50million over the next few years towards the running of four personnel recovery centres and the Royal British Legion Battle Back Challenge Centre.

Area manager Mr Anthony and assistant area manager Ms Marr, based at the company’s New Street office, were keen to get involved.

Ms Marr said: “It is such a good cause, and a charity cannot afford to lose that sort of money. We are always encouraged by the director of our company to get involved with charity work and things that happen locally.

“We held a coffee morning for the RBL earlier this year and we met quite a few of their members then.

“Because of the nature of our work, we have to make sure we are fulfilling everything to the highest standard, but over the next fortnight I am being taken out of my normal working routine, so I can concentrate on the Poppy Appeal.”

INFORMATION: Anyone who might be able to help should call Ms Marr on 01480 476136.