SPECIAL civic backing is being given to the annual poppy appeal with cross-community support in one North-East city.

The 2002 Durham Poppy Appeal was launched by the city's Mayor, Councillor Eileen Rochford, at 11am yesterday.

She was joined at the Town Hall gathering by representatives of civic groups and institutions, all pledging their support for the Royal British Legion's (RBL) annual appeal.

Coun Rochford has already sent out a request to shops in Durham to allow collecting boxes to be placed in their premises.

She asked members of the public to make a donation, no matter how small.

"There's the obvious show of support with the parade on Remembrance Sunday, but everyone can help by giving a generous sum.

"The public should be aware of how efficiently the money is spent.

"Only eight per cent goes on administration and the rest is devoted to many charitable activities."

The appeal provides funds for residential and convalescent homes, assists widows to visit overseas graves, offers holidays for the severely disabled, and training for ex-service people with general disabilities, while also providing them with employment.

RBL regional field officer Mark Colacicchi, a former Army Colonel, said the North-East is among the busiest areas for the legion.

He added that the North-East is an area where the poppy appeal fund spends more than it raises.