Tonbridge will be without poppies after this year unless the town's poppy appeal organiser can recruit a new volunteer to take her position.

Veronica Jackson, of Bishops Oak Ride, has been the designated organiserfor nearly 10 years.

As a result of poor health and physical injuries she is now reluctantly stepping down from her post and recruiting for a new volunteer.

The 68-year-old joined the legion eight-and-a-half years ago and after only two weeks, was appointed her role.

Speaking fondly of the memory, she said: "I joined as a way to meet new people and make friends, and oh boy did I meet people. I made really good friends at the legion and have met some characters over the years.

"I got the privilege of meeting the Duke of Kent at the re-opening of the Tonbridge Memorial Gardens recently. I've been very lucky."

During her service, Veronica has suffered two hernias, two knee replacements and one knee reconstruction meaning she is no longer able to manage the physical duties.

She added: "It's not that I don't want to carry on in my role, but I physically can't do it anymore. Lifting all the heavy buckets of money, flyers and other goods - my legs just can't take it.

"Once I step down I will still be involved with the legion but just not as much, it's sadly time for someone else to take over.

"I've learnt so much during my eight or so years, I'm a pro at the computer now, make my own flyers and documents. It saves the legion money on printing and getting someone else to do it."

"It's not that I don't want to carry on in my role, but I physically can't do it anymore. Lifting all the heavy buckets of money, flyers and other goods - my legs just can't take it anymore" - Veronica Jackson

Mrs Jackson said the person who takes over her position needs to be trustworthy, friendly and happy to talk to people.

She added: "There is a lot involved in the role, it is a commitment. Throughout the year there is preparation in the run up to the poppy appeal, organising events, flyers, collecting money, working with the rest of the legion.

"We focus on lots of conflicts, not just the more widely discussed ones such as World War One and World War Two. People need to be aware all the time."

Mrs Jackson will stay for this year's appeal, but is hoping an appropriate candidate will take over for 2015.

There is a Royal British Legion branch and club in Tonbridge but so far no-one has come forward.

Anybody interested in becoming the new poppy appeal organiser should contact Jane Ayers at the Royal British Legion on 01622 793194 or e-mail: jayers@britishlegion.org.uk