WINDSOR Castle was the ideal setting for the launch on Saturday of this year's centenary Poppy Appeal - as the nation prepares to commemorate the end 100 years ago of the war that destroyed a generation of young men.

A special ceremony just before Saturday's Changing of the Guard took place on the Guard Mount roof at the castle - attended by Lieutenant General Peter Pearson CB CBE, Governor of the Military Knights of Windsor.

Also there were the mayor of the Royal Borough Cllr Paul Lion, the mayoress Laura Lion along with leading members of the Royal British Legion, volunteers, youth organisations and businesses.

They all had one aim - to attract volunteer collectors.

The Royal British Legion is the nation’s biggest Armed Forces charity providing care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces past and present and their families.

Patricia Chadwick, area manager for the Royal British Legion, said: "Each donation has a direct impact.

"Money raised helps with homelessness and debt. It helps with research into the effect of blast injuries on the body and recovery programmes."

Nationally the Royal British Legion hopes to raise £50million this year.

Captain Peter Dale from the Coldstream Guards in Victoria Barracks is appeal organiser for Windsor.

He said that it was hoped to raise £60,000 in the town this year, topping last year's £57,000 total.

Soldiers from his own barracks and men of the Household Cavalry from nearby Combermere will play a leading role in this. But civilian collectors are vitally needed too.

He said: "We have static collections in Waitrose and Tesco and will also be collecting in Peascod Street and St Leonard's Road. We will be meeting trains.

"But we can only achieve what we want with the help of volunteers."

Potential volunteers can contact him on Peter.dale109@mod.gov.uk