SIR - This year is a particularly important one for the many veterans of the Second World War with a number of anniversaries commemorating the end of the conflict.

It is significant that the amount raised each year for the RBL Poppy Appeal continues to rise, indicating that people still see it as important to support not only the survivors of that war and their widows and widowers, but also those who served as National Servicemen during the years which followed and those who served in subsequent conflicts including Malaya, Aden, The Falklands and The Gulf.

In Gloucestershire this year's poppy appeal has raised so far £504,134.32p. We now need your help to spend that money on those who need our assistance. Are you, or is a member of your family, an ex-serviceman or woman, or the widow or widower of someone who served as a regular, a reservist, or a national serviceman? Do you need help with house repairs, utility bills or mobility equipment. Perhaps you need a short break in one of our holiday homes or bungalows?

Working in conjunction with SSAFA Forces Help and the other ex-service charities we can provide a variety of assistance and support. Please call us on 01452 380200 if we can help someone in our family or someone you know who might be eligible for our assistance.

Tim Merritt Royal British Legion County Field Officer County Welfare Office Eastgate House Eastgate Street Gloucester