THE sky above Ledbury was dotted with red on Saturday as a balloon released marked the launch of the annual Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

People gathered to see 85 red balloons released from the war memorial in the town centre for the appeal's launch, before heading to the Royal British Legion Club for a coffee morning.

The Poppy Appeal was created to help those returning from the First World War and it now raises money to support Armed Forces families, whether to help them cope with bereavement, living with disability, or finding employment.

Lloyd Meredith, Ledbury Poppy Appeal organiser and president of the Royal British Legion town branch, said: "It was a very successful event. A lot of people turned out to show their support and we really made a day of it. We released 85 red balloon to mark the appeal launch and told everyone what the appeal was all about.

"I think this year the appeal will hopefully be even better supported than in previous years because of it being 100 years since the start of the First World War and because of the troops coming home from Afghanistan."

Joining members of the public at the launch were Ledbury town crier, Bill Turberfield, Ledbury Mayor councillor Bob Barnes and Carnival Princesses, Amy Browning Smith, Clara Blei and Fay Rogers.

Cllr Barnes said: “The 85 balloons represent the soldiers from Ledbury who were killed in the First World War conflict, and we here in Ledbury shall remember their ultimate sacrifice for generations to come. It is an honour and a privilege to be Mayor, especially in this significant year, and to take part in these events and represent the town in its remembrance.”

The next event will be the Ledbury Remembrance Parade and Service.

The parade will go through the town centre on Sunday, November 9 and will assemble in St Katherine's car park at 10.30am before it goes through the town.

For more information on events and to donate to this year's appeal, visit www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/poppy-appeal.

Anyone wanting to take part, or lay a wreath at the memorial, should call 01531 632 796.