THE Royal British Legion is appealing for more "Poppy People" to help collect donations after funds have decreased for the first time in five years.

The four-month "Poppy People Campaign" aims to attract new collectors to boost funds raised during the Poppy Appeal in November.

Shane Hearne, from the Basingstoke branch of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Royal British Legion, said: "The main reason for this fall is the decline in the number of poppy collectors, due to ill health and the age of many of the existing volunteers.

"We need to get more people involved in getting poppies out on to the streets of Hampshire."

To attract more Poppy People, the legion is hoping to educate new generations about the charity and how it is funded.

Karen Betancourt Jess, fundraiser for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight RBL, said: "The public are used to seeing World War veterans selling poppies on the streets, but as they become increasingly elderly or infirm they are unable to do this.

"We therefore need the public to step forward and help us raise the money for the ex-service community."

The Royal British Legion is also funded by legacies, commercial sponsorship and individual fundraising events.

However, face-to-face collecting remains an important part of the charity's ethos.

Ms Betancourt Jess said: "Poppy collectors are the public face of the Poppy Appeal and have been a familiar site on UK streets for almost 75 years.

"People are comfortable giving to a collector. They have the chance to ask questions and find out more about what happens to the money they give."

The Poppy Appeal is entirely dependent on voluntary donations to fund the growing demand for the RBL's welfare and benevolent services.

Each year, the charity spends more than £50million supporting the country's 13 million ex-service personnel from the Army, navy, air force and their dependants, including those from the Gulf War.

Ms Betancourt Jess said: "The need to provide support is as important now as it was 50 years ago. It is not just the war veterans who benefit from our charity but all ex-service personnel and their dependants."

If you are able to help the Royal British Legion, call 0800 0855924 or e-mail www.poppypeople@britishlegion.org.uk