A feast of entertainment helps to launch this year's Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal

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Cumbria's Poppy Appeal launched in Carlisle and it didn’t cost a penny!

To celebrate the launch of this year’s appeal the Royal British Legion organised a musical feast in The Lanes shopping centre, Carlisle, on Saturday.

Speaking to the News & Star at the ceremony, Cumbria’s community fundraiser Alan Whitmore said: “A feast of entertainment helps to launch this year's Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal

The key for us is that we’re about remembering and being the custodians of remembrance to the memory of the fallen. However just as crucial is the vital need to reach out to those countless people who still desperately need our help. Our target this year is 41million to help these precious families to LIVE ON.”

The show featured entertainment from the youngsters at StagedRight theatre company. They wowed the audience with a collection of classic wartime songs such as Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag and Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again, plus other dramatic performances.

While much of the show and speeches beforehand focussed on the two world wars, the audience were reminded that the Royal British Legion also supports military personnel from more modern conflicts, with two poignant performances.

Songs that were performed by musical superstars Katherine Jenkins and Gary Barlow in Camp Bastion, in Afghanistan, during that conflict, were showcased.

Following those performances veterans in attendance were invited to stand in front of the Union flag-clad stage for a moment of appreciation.

The Mayor of Carlisle then spoke of his respect for the country’s military servicemen.

“We have got battles going on across the world in these modern times. We, the people of Carlisle, really support the legion and we hope you have a fantastic year.”

After the launch ceremony was complete, three special awards were handed out to some of Carlisle’s most distinguished veterans.

It was a moment to remember for Jos Mark, Ronald Neal, Donald Rhodes and their families.

The three men, all in their nineties, were presented with the prestigious Legion d’Honneur medal.

The award is regarded as France's country’s highest honour, established by Napoleon in 1802 to recognise individual merit. Most recipients attend a large ceremony but due to the health of the three Carlisle veterans, the medals were presented in the city.

The Poppy Shop also runs for the entire Poppy Appeal in a professional booth provided by the Lanes Shopping Centre free of charge right in the heart of the shopping area. Manned by Poppy Appeal Volunteers the Shop raised a total of £16,000 including sales and adhoc donations last year! They are aiming to ‘smash this total’ this year!