PEOPLE in Durham are being urged to make it another bumper year for the city's Poppy Appeal.

Last year, £21,000 was raised in the city and surrounding area - a 22 per cent increase on the previous year that was beaten only by County Down in Northern Ireland.

Royal British Legion officials are hoping that the first appeal of the Millennium will get even better backing from residents, youngsters and businesses.

This year's appeal was officially launched yesterday by Mayor George Wharton who said: "Let's hope we can do better still this year.''

The appeal funds the wide range of help given to ex-servicemen, including those injured in war, their widows and families.

Help includes financial assistance, holidays for the severely disabled, advice on benefits, and convalescent homes.

Roger Braybrook, the RBL's county field officer, said: "In many ways the demands get more complicated and more expensive. Thirty or 40 years ago you'd have given people money for a bag of coal. Now, people may need a scooter or stairlift."

Mr Braybrook said the appeal was getting good support from young people. Durham University Durham School and Durham Sixth Form College are involved.

Olivers Sandwich Shop, Hawthorn Terrace, raised almost £400 with counter tins, the biggest single sum from a business.

Manager Martin Billingham said: "Ninety per cent of our customers are students. Last year I think the appeal caught young people's imagination. I'd like to see us to do as well this year.''