The Royal British Legion has joined forces with The Glades Shopping Centre in Bromley to launch its South East London Poppy Appeal campaign.

On October 28, The Glades will be taken over with poppies to mark the start of the fundraising event.

The official opening will start at 11am. mayor Councillor Kathy Bance will be given the first poppy of Bromley.

Kate Miller, general manager of The Glades said: “The Poppy takeover is going to be an incredibly special event in the town and a moving celebration of heroism.

“We are looking forward to hosting this occasion and seeing many people from Bromley and beyond enjoying the variety of activities and performances.

“We observe the two minutes silence each year on Armistice Day on 11th November and it’s always a very humbling moment.

“It brings many people from across the community together to remember and give thanks to the service men and women who have given their lives to secure the freedom of future generations.

“It really unites the whole town so we are delighted to have such involvement in launching the campaign this year."

Jemma Cottam-Verbruggen, The Royal British Legion’s community fundraiser for south-east London, said: “At last year’s launch we raised an amazing £3,695 which contributed to an incredible £60,494 being raised in Bromley alone, a true testament to the kindness of the Bromley residents whose donations have made a real difference to the lives of servicemen and women, veterans and their loved ones.

“We already recognise the poppy as a symbol of remembrance, but it also represents hope.

“The poppy bloomed on the battlefields of northern Europe during the First World War despite the destruction, and it is that life force growing in the most difficult of circumstances that connects the poppy with the message of hope.

“The Legion is that hope, and we are here wherever and whenever we are needed.”