LIVERPOOL’S Royal British Legion and the city’s Armed Forces Careers office have joined up to promote the Poppy Appeal.

In the first initiative of its kind in the country, they are aiming to let people know the annual fundraising campaign and the RBL is not just about helping old soldiers.

It is hoped it will also combat falling numbers of RBL members – they have been halved in the past 10 years.

Jim Ross, of the Liverpool RBL branch, said: “We can bring old and young soldiers together.

“It’s definItely a brotherhood for the soldiers.

“We hope our initiative here in the city is the forerunner of others across the country.

Mr Ross revealed that The Royal British Legion also wants to build relationships with shops and businesses in Liverpool to promote the Poppy Appeal.

He is already involved with The Parcels for Troops campaign, which started 18 months ago. During the past 18 months, 13,000 parcels have been sent to war zones.

Mr Ross said: “We are only the mechanics. It’s the people of Merseyside who have made this happen.”

The RBL and Forces initiative has been backed by Liverpool City Central BID an organisation that offers an opportunity to enhance local services and enable businesses to have their say on what services they want to improve.

Sgt Paul Radcliffe, who works for the Armed Forces Careers office in Liverpool, said: “We are working with The British Legion to bring the appeal up to date.

“Young and old veterans have been working together this years and it has gone really well.”

LEAVE your Remembrance Day message on our website at www.liverpool echo.co.uk/remembrance. Any revenue created by the Poppy Day Albums will be donated to the British Legion.