THE ANNUAL Poppy Appeal is facing its biggest crisis in Winchester just weeks before fundraising is due to get under way.

Royal British Legion bosses are struggling to find a vital organiser to co-ordinate efforts.

It has led to fears that few, if any, poppies will be on sale in the city, which boasts a military traditions stretching back some 2,000 years.

Around £25,000 is raised annually in Winchester from the sale of poppies to help ex-servicemen. The key Poppy Appeal vacancy was caused when the previous organiser, Derek Green, the chairman of the local RBL branch, resigned in May because of work commitments.

Shane Hearn, county field officer for the legion, said: "This is serious. Winchester city centre is a very important place. There is a great danger we won't have any poppies for sale in Winchester.

"We have a duty to ensure that people have the opportunity to buy a poppy. We are failing if we don't. But if we can't find an organiser in Winchester it is pretty forbidding for the future."

Time is rapidly running out, with the organiser expected to be drawing up final plans for the fundraising and working with a team of around 150 volunteers. Last year was successful in Winchester with £25,300 raised, £1,000 up on 2002.But the legion faces a growing problem as age catches up with ex-servicemen who fought in the Second World War and who make up the backbone of the fundraising effort.

The number of active members is dropping just as demand for the legion's work is soaring. Last year the county's charitable grants rocketed by 36 per cent.

Mr Green, of Battery Hill, Stanmore, said: "I didn't want to step down because I love the job. But I now work nights and can't cope with doing both."

Legion member Margaret Cole, of Fox Lane, Stanmore, said: "It's very sad. I can't understand it. Winchester is a military town."

Karen Betancourt-Jess, the legion's county community found-raiser, said the post would suit a retired person with a service background.

Today the mayor, Cecily Sutton, was due to take part in a photocall at Abbey House to highlight the appeal crisis. She said: "I'm sure there is someone out there willing to do it but who doesn't yet know about the problem."

Anyone interested should call Mr Hearn on 023 8062 0900.