MONDAY saw Woking’s town centre dappled in red as people arrived in their droves to be part of the Surrey Poppy Appeal launch.

While Casey and Kerenza Hemsworth, dressed as ‘Poppy Petals’, handed out the poignant emblem, running the event was Woking Borough Council Leader John Kingsbury.

He said: “On such a bright sunlit morning, I was delighted to see so many residents and visitors to Jubilee Square for the formal opening of the second Woking Poppy Day for Surrey Appeal.

“I was proud to read the Royal British Legion Exhortation, following which a short period of silence in memory of all those who gave their lives for our country was brought to an end by the sounding of a maroon – a very loud bang.”

The Sea Cadets Band were in great form under Parade Marshall Paul Chapman, and many of them took part in the procession before taking their collection boxes around the town.

Woking Mayor Tony Branagan, himself a former soldier, welcomed everyone and formally launched the Poppy Day Appeal.

Teenager Nikole Bishop returned this year to read a poignant poem, and entertainment was provided by singing trio The Three Belles.

The Belles attracted a large crowd while they sang popular wartime songs.

Also, dancers from the Summerscales Theatre School put on different performances several times throughout the day.

Cllr Kingsbury added: “All in all, it was a brilliant occasion and the final amount raised for the Royal British Legion is expected to be around £5,000.”