The Royal British Legion is warning Sheppey’s remembrance events could be without a sea of red poppies unless more volunteers come forward.

For the past six years Brian Lyons, who died in April this year, ran the successful campaign and collected £66,654.10 for the Poppy Appeal.

The charity needs several new volunteers as well as a new Poppy Appeal organiser for Sheppey, who will be the driving force for this year’s fundraiser.

Money raised helps improve the lives of those who have served and continue to serve the country.

Activities organised by Mr Lyons, of Lynmouth Drive, Minster, to support servicemen, past and present, include help accessing financial and emotional support, cadet discos and soup kitchens.

He also ran a Poppy Shop in the former Currys shop, now William Hill, in Sheerness High Street.

Jane Taylor, community fundraiser for the RBL, said: “Putting it simply, without these Poppy Organisers there will be no poppies on the Isle of Sheppey this November.

“There is a group of volunteers who are still keen to help, but they need someone to step forward and become the overall Poppy Appeal organiser.

“Many people on the Island have turned to the Legion when they’ve needed help the most.

"From finding a roof to sleep under through to providing a place to wash. It is an honour to be able to see the look of utter relief on someone’s face when they are told 'yes, we can help you’.

“The money raised by the Poppy Appeal makes this possible, so please volunteer to become Poppy Organiser so that we can continue making people’s lives better.”

The Island has six collection areas that need organising - Queenborough, Eastchurch, Sheerness, Leysdown, Warden Bay and Minster - and needs six or more organisers to volunteer.

Poppy organisers have to plan and oversee collections, order poppies and plan their distribution, bank money and maintain records.

• To volunteer as a Poppy Organiser contact Jane Taylor on 01474 812969 or email jtaylor@britishlegion.org.uk