OLD pound coins will be accepted by the Northwich branch of the Royal British Legion for this year’s Poppy Appeal.

The RBL said it will continue to accept old pound coins donated to its annual Poppy Appeal after the deadline for spending them passed last week.

Last year the Northwich branch of the RBL raised more than £34,500, and is hoping to beat that total this year.

A ceremony will be held in Northwich to welcome this year’s Poppy Appeal.

The event will take place at Pocket Park opposite the HSBC Bank on Saturday, October 28, from 2pm.

The band of the Air Cadets 146 Squadron will be presents, as well as a number of special guests.

This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele, which claimed the lives of more than 500,000 soldiers along with their horses, many of them drowning in mud.

The Northwich branch of the RBL are seeking more volunteers to help with this year's Poppy Appeal.

Terry Gamble, from the Northwich branch of the RBL, said: “Our dedicated team of collectors have once again volunteers to turn out for this year’s appeal, which is very much appreciated by the Legion.

“But we are still looking for more collectors to man the tables in the supermarkets as we now have Asda to look after as well as the other supermarkets.

“So if you can spare a day or even a couple of hours please contact the Northwich Poppy Appeal organiser, Terry Gamble on 07707606031.”