IT was full steam ahead at the launch of this year’s poppy appeal which saw servicemen and women gather at the Watercress Line.

As the train chugged in loudly, Alresford residents looked on to see the start of the two-week appeal, which will be promoted nationwide, in a bid to raise £40 million for the Royal British Legion.

Community fundraiser Clare Peppiatt said: “We raise all this money to help our servicemen and women. The theme this year is full steam ahead.

“Our key message is hold on to the memory of the fallen and the living so remembrance is a really important part of our organisation, and giving back hopefully to the living with the money we have raised.”

David Harrison, president of Hampshire Royal British Legion, said: “The poppy appeal is fighting to go on and I would like to thank the people of Hampshire. Every year they are incredibly generous and I know they will be again this year.”