Chris Huhne appeals for poppy collectors to help set a new Eastleigh record

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 18th Oct 2005

"We need new volunteers every year" says Chris Huhne

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne has joined Hampshire poppy appeal co-ordinator Norman Brown and Eastleigh appeal organiser Betty Brown to ask for volunteers to set a new collection record in this year's poppy appeal.

"Eastleigh and Chandler's Ford branch set an all-time record of more than £42,000 last year - the highest in Hampshire - and it would be great to beat that this year" said Mr Huhne.

Mr Huhne is pictured here with Norman and Betty Brown at the memorial in Eastleigh.

"I am proud of all the Royal British Legion branches in Eastleigh constituency, as they contributed no less than £79,493 last year to the Hampshire county total of £786,640.

"This is a significant amount to help former service people and their families who have given so much to protect our freedoms and way of life"

said Mr Huhne.

More than 50 people volunteered last year to help with the poppy collections in Eastleigh, which start from 31st October this year until Remembrance Sunday on 13th November.

"We need new volunteers every year to help keep up the effort as some of the elderly are no longer able to continue" said Mr Huhne. "Anybody who is interested in helping should ring Norman or Betty Brown on 023 8025 1156."

Chris Huhne will be part of the team helping at ASDA in Chandler's Ford.