This year's Poppy Appeal has been launched by Wilmslow's British Legion.
Members of the Wilmslow branch launched the charity's largest fundraiser on Monday, 22nd October, which raised £20,000 to help ex-servicemen and women last year.
Jim McDermott, who has organised the Poppy Appeal in Wilmslow for 40 years, was joined by Les Williamson, Chairman of the Wilmslow British Legion, Cllr Jim Crockatt, Chairman of Wilmslow Town, Wilmslow resident Khumi Burton and staff from Waitrose.
Charity fundraiser Khumi is taking over the organisation this year's appeal after Jim McDermott, 86, decided to step down after devoting over 40 years to the cause.
Army, air and fire cadets will start collecting on Grove Street this Saturday and collections will be inside Waitrose and Sainsbury's from Monday, 29th October, for two weeks. These will be manned by long standing volunteers as well as cadets.
Khumi Burton said "Jim McDermott has collected in Wilmslow for over 40 years. He is very dedicated but he felt that at his age, he wants to take a back seat.
"He looked around for someone to take over from him for a while. As a genuine offer was not forthcoming I volunteered to take over from him as I don't want Wilmslow's contribution to vanish.
"Jim has worked very hard over the years and the residents and businesses have been most generous. Tess Shaw and her team at Waitrose has been most helpful to Jim and the Poppy Appeal as they also house some of the things needed over the 2 weeks."
Khumi will be helped by Kate Hewison, of Chapel Lane, who like Khumi has volunteered for Jim over the years.
Photo: (l-r): Les Williamson (Chairman British Legion) Khumi Burton, Tess Shaw (Manager Waitrose) Rob Tooth and Georgina Sharp from Waitrose, Cllr. Jim Crockatt( Chairman WTC) Jim McDermott (poppy organiser).
