Sir,

This year the Poppy Appeal highlights the Royal British Legion's (RBL) work with bereaved families who have lost loved ones tragically killed in Afghanistan and with service personnel who have been badly injured and who now face the incredibly tough challenge of living with a severe disability.

Many will probably continue to need this help for the rest of their lives.

The RBL spends £1.7 million every week supporting brave service and ex-service men and women and their dependents. Nearly a quarter of those being helped are under 44 years old.

The Poppy collecting tins are now starting to appear and collections will soon be taking place around Monmouth and in your area.

The people who give to this annual appeal have always been most generous; through your continued generosity we will be able to continue with this vital work.

In one thing I think we are all agreed – the people we help deserve it.

Commodore TD Elliott OBE DL Royal Navy

(President, Royal British Legion Monmouth Branch)