THE POPPY Appeal 2016 has been launched in Chard by a team of cadets, councillors and Royal British Legion volunteers.

The poppy appeal is organised in Chard by Mary-Anne Adams.

She took over for the first time last year and raised £12,489.40 in 2015.

Mrs Adams said: "You can get poppies from nearly every shop in the Chard. We have put out 140 boxes.

"We held the launch event last week which isn't something that we have done before in Chard.

"We had all the cadets out and raised about £230 which is a good start.

"I do craft fairs and wherever I go the poppies go with me. It is great to hear other people stories. It is very rewarding."

At the launch on Saturday, October 29, were town councillors mayor Dave Bulmer, deputy mayor Garry Shortland and Cllr Amanda Broom.

Also at the launch were Chard Carnival princess Leah Smith, John Gudge of Chard Royal British Legion, and Victoria Whiteman, who is standing to take over as the RBL branch's chairman.

After the launch, John Gudge sang in the Guildhall and poppies were sold outside the Guildhall.