POPPY collectors will be out in force in Chipping Sodbury this Friday – but they will be raising their glasses rather than their tins.

The local branches of the Royal British Legion are helping to celebrate the national organisation’s 90th anniversary this year by holding a commemorative concert.

Sue Greenwell, from Yate, is organising the event after staging a similar concert two years ago.

Mrs Greenwell, who co-ordinates Poppy Appeal collections in Iron Acton, said: "It is an ongoing anniversary throughout the year.

"The legion does such a tremendous amount of work for serving soldiers and ex-soldiers on a daily basis.

"I think it is important to remind people that it is not just there to remember World War One for two weeks in November. It is there every day and runs so many projects and gives support to so many people."

Mrs Greenwell has more than one good reason to support the work of the legion. Her husband Don served in Northern Ireland with the Royal Engineers and suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, her son Jonathon served in Bosnia with the Royal Signals and her stepson Simon is currently touring in Afghanistan.

"I suppose I am passionate about it," she said. "I had just given up work after having a tumour removed when I got involved with the legion a few years ago and I was looking for something to do.

"I thought it sounded interesting and I would be able to help.

"People are incredibly generous which is very nice but I still have a feeling they think the Poppy Appeal is just about two weeks in the year."

The Royal British Legion was formed on May 15, 1921 with the sole aim of caring for members of the Armed Forces who had suffered during WW1 whether directly or through the loss of a husband, son or father. The first ever Poppy Appeal was held in November of the same year as well as a two-minute silence.

In 1971 the organisation was granted Royal status and 10 years later extended its membership to serving members of Her Majesty's Forces, as well as ex-service personnel and now anyone can become a member of the legion.

The 90th anniversary concert will feature the sounds of the Avon Fire and Rescue Band and singers and percussion from Colston School for Girls. There will also be a raffle with top prizes including a champagne tea for two at the Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath.

The concert takes place at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall this Friday, May 20 (7.30pm). Tickets are available on the door.