This year is the 83rd anniversary of the Royal British Legion which was formed to help and care for ex-servicemen and their dependents.

During this time the Poppy Appeal has helped fund the legion's work to deliver a caring service for the benefit of the ex-service community in need continuously since 1921.

More people are approaching the legion for help than ever before and the need for your support is as great as ever.

Although the borough, like many other places, will next year mark the 60th anniversaries of VE and VJ days and thus 60 years of comparative peace only one year has gone by in that period when a member of Britain's Armed Forces has not been killed in action.

As long as there are British soldiers, sailors and airmen willing to risk their lives in the service of their country, there will be a Royal British Legion to support them, their relatives and dependents.

This year the Royal British Legion will again play a central role in helping the families of those British servicemen who have died in Iraq, and helping those who are injured and traumatised to return to normal civilian life.

In order for the Royal British Legion to continue its valuable work, it needs the help and backing of the community.

Please support the Poppy Appeal this year to help those who have given, and continue to give, so very much.

Mayor councillor Anne Manning

With Remembrance Day upon us it is right we remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

There can be nothing more powerful than to give your life so others might enjoy freedom from tyranny.

But not everybody who endured war and deprivation died. Many of those who suffered and braved hardships returned to build our society.

Many women maintained the country during its struggles and too many found themselves widowed at a young age. And these people now rely upon our care and health services for their very existence.

So please spare a thought for the many people who are facing abuses and cruelties at the hands of some families and care staff.

The Commons Health Select Committee earlier this year accepted as many as 500,000 older people are being abused across the UK.

Our charity's helpline, 0808 808 8141, takes hundreds of calls each year from people in dire need of help. We all have a duty to protect them as they once protected us.

Gary FitzGerald Chief Executive Action on Elder Abuse