THE Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal was launched in Darlington last Wednesday - and a record target has been set.

The town branch raised more than £36,000 with its last appeal, but is hoping to hit the £40,000 mark this time.

The campaign was launched by Mayor Doris Jones at the town hall.

Addressing British Legion members in the council chamber, she said it was the most worthwhile of charities.

"I really can't express how wonderful and worthwhile an organisation this is to support," she said. "We will be visiting 14 schools this year and we will be aiming to get across to those young people the meaning of Poppy Day, so it will keep going for generations to come."

The organisation is now looking for volunteers to deliver collecting tins and boxes of poppies to shops, schools and factories around the town.

Anyone interested in helping the appeal can call into the Darlington Council for Voluntary Services and Volunteer Bureau, on Church Row