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Blackwood and District Royal British Legion is preparing to launch this year’s poppy appeal, which is usually held in Newport.

In a bid to improve membership numbers, this year’s launch will take place in Blackwood, starting with a church service in St Margaret’s Church tomorrow (Thursday October 24), at 10am.

Following the church service, there will be a formal march with road closures in place across Blackwood High Street, before speeches are made on Dragon Square and a two minute silence begins at 10.58am.

Andrew Doody, who is the poppy appeal organiser for Blackwood, told Caerphilly Observer he expects to welcome around 150 guests, including Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE, the Lord Lieutenant of Gwent.

Mr Doody said: “After the poppy appeal is officially opened, we will be heading back to Blackwood Miners Institute for refreshments.”