The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal launches this Saturday.

This will be formally done by the Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer at 10am at the Manx Legion Club at Market Hill in Douglas.

Sir John is himself a former lieutenant general in the British Army, having commanded forces in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.

This year marks the British Legion’s 100th anniversary.

Invited guests at the event will also be received by RBL president, Steve Rodan and chairman Ray Ferguson.

Last year, the island’s Poppy Appeal raised £135,000.

It highlighted that the island has ’a proud record to uphold’ of collecting more money per head than anywhere else in the UK.

Across the entire UK, £12 million was raised, which gives and idea of what a high contribution the island makes.

Mr Ferguson said: ’We in the Legion salute the effort which the island gives to our campaign.

’Thank you for all that you have given in the past to support Poppy.

’Let’s make ’Poppy 21’, another best yet to celebrate our hundredth in true Manx style.’

An RBL spokesperson further explained: ’Legion help is now directed towards veterans of more recent conflicts which are in living memory, Aden, Cyprus, Falklands, Kuwait and Afghanistan.

’Help may come in direct support to individuals to having a presence at large events such as Armed Forces Day.

’We are approaching Remembrance.

’The sacrifices of the past ensure today’s freedoms.

’The Legion takes its role as the Custodian of Remembrance very seriously to ensure that: "We will remember them"’.

Last year also saw the Ramsey RBL reach a record total of £21,068 in donations.