WITH just over one week to go until Remembrance Sunday Trafford gave a powerful salute to the heroism of servicemen and woman as the Royal British Legion Flag was raised over Sale Town Hall.

The moment, which was overseen by the Mayor of Trafford, Councillor Rob Chilton, signalled that start of the borough’s 2019 poppy appeal.

Cllr Chilton was joined at the event by representatives from the Legion, poppy collection volunteers, officers and cadets from Altrincham and Sale Sea Cadets T.S. Talisman S.C.C, the Air Training Corps (318 Sale Squadron) and Scouts.

The poppy appeal will run until November 11 and the Royal British Legion Flag will fly over the town hall until then.

Poppies and other remembrance merchandise will be available from street volunteers as well as at shops, banks, bars, restaurants and other outlets.

A poppy stall will also be held daily at Sale’s Sainsbury’s and Tesco supermarkets and on School Road on each Saturday.

The people of Sale have helped to raise thousands of pounds for the Royal British Legion, including and incredible sum of over £40,000 in 2018.

These donations enable the charity to continue to provide medical, financial and general support to members of the armed forces who suffer injuries or make the ultimate sacrifice whilst serving their country, and their families.

Cllr Chilton said: “I was delighted and honoured to launch this year’s Poppy Appeal for the Trafford branches of the Royal British Legion.’

“It is very important that, here in Trafford, we can demonstrate our support at this time of year, for the servicemen who gave their lives for King and country during the conflicts of the 20th century, and for the brave men and women of our armed forces today, who put themselves in harms way to defend our values and way of life’.

“I take pride in supporting the Poppy Appeal every year, but particularly so during my year as First Citizen of Trafford.”

The Annual Service of Remembrance will be held at the Sale War Memorial, outside Sale Town Hall on November 10 at 10.45am.