Dame Vera begins Poppy Appeal for Afghan troops

Dame Vera Lynn and Hayley Westenra were launching this year's Poppy Appeal in London today.

The singers will be in Horse Guards Parade at noon to start the Royal British Legion's drive, which hopes to raise £31million and this year focuses on Afghanistan.

The appeal, under the banner "serving those who serve", ends on 11 November with Silence in the Square, the two-minute silence in Trafalgar Square. The British Legion provides financial, social and emotional support to soldiers and veterans and their families.

Russell Thompson, its director of fundraising, said: "We've seen a 30 per cent increase in calls from under-35s and we've been able to help by giving advice as well as helping with compensation payouts."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown was presented with a poppy this week when he met volunteers at No 10.