POPPY Appeal stalwarts in Winchester have issued their own desperate plea for an organiser to run its vital fundraising.

Yesterday the Daily Echo reported that the Royal British Legion stood to lose thousands of pounds because it could not find a person to oversee its operation in Winchester.

Last year some £25,000 was raised in the county town that has a military tradition stretching back 2,000 years.

Legion members yesterday met the mayor, Cecily Sutton, at her official residence to highlight its plight.

Norman Brown, 78, of Suffolk Drive, Chandler's Ford, and the the Hampshire co-ordinator, said: "If there wasn't an appeal in Winchester it would be disastrous. Winchester is a service town. It would be a terrible shame if no-one took the job on."

Bill Belton, 80, of East Stratton, near Micheldever, said: "For a place of its size, it would be quite embarrassing if no-one came forward.

"It's surprising how few people are prepared to give up their time these days. Thirty years ago you never had these problems."

Mr Belton served in the Royal Armoured Corps, The Buffs, at D-Day.

Christine Branton, 58, of Priors Way, Oliver's Battery, Winchester, said: "There must be somebody who feels strongly enough and has the time to organise for Winchester. I have been a volunteer for 23 years but I just don't have the time to do it.

"There must be somebody who wants to give something back to the people who gave for us."

The co-ordinator post is voluntary and involves ordering stock, co-ordinating the 20 collectors, placing collection boxes, recruiting new volunteers, counting and banking money.

To volunteer call 02380 620900.

Karen Betancourt-Jess, the county community fundraiser, said: "Winchester is the only place in Hampshire that hasn't got an organiser.

"It would be dreadful for the shortfall in funds but also awful if leading up to Remembrance Sunday people were unable to get a poppy.

"The people of Winchester would be so sad."