A community art installation featuring more than 13,000 handcrafted poppies will provide the backdrop for the launch of this year's Cumbria Poppy Appeal.

Today marks the start of the Royal British Legion's annual appeal in the county and Cumbrians are urged to wear their poppies with pride in support of the armed forces.

It is being launched at St John's Church, Keswick, where an impressive cascade of poppies has been created.

Like other buildings and landmarks across the county, the church will be floodlit red in the evening and at times throughout the appeal.

Tomorrow will see the launch of Carlisle Poppy Appeal at The Lanes Shopping Centre at 10am with performances by Rocket Theatre and poetry reading among the entertainment.

Money raised from the poppy appeal goes towards the British Legion’s work with serving personnel, veterans and their families. It includes dementia care, theatre recovery projects, world-leading research on blast injury studies and seaside breaks.

Judith Reay, community fundraiser for Cumbria, said: “As the nation's custodian of remembrance the legion is committed to helping everyone understand the importance of remembrance, so those sacrifices are never forgotten.

"The generosity of the British public helped the legion answer over one million calls for help in the last year.

"This year, the legion is thanking the entire World War One generation. That’s not just the British armed forces, but those who fought alongside them from today’s Commonwealth and the countless men, women and children who played their part on the homefront.

"Everyone has a reason to say thank you. We all have a connection to World War One and the legion is encouraging every person in the UK today to recognise the legacy that generation left us.”

The poppy appeal is in need of new collectors this year and anyone who would like to volunteer is asked to contact Judith on 07917 581077 or by emailing jreay@britishlegion.org.uk.

To donate visit www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/ways-to-give/make-a-donation.