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ROYAL British Legion Scotland Forres (RBL) held a poppy launch at their Sanquhar Road branch.

Invited VIPs included QM Lt Col Thompson of 39 Engineers Regiment, Maj Gen The Hon Seymour Monro, Lord Lieutenant Lt Col Grenville Johnston and president of RBL Scotland and Poppy Scotland Lt Gen Sir Alistair Irwin, who enjoyed entertainment from Forres junior and senior Pipe Band, Forres Accordion and Fiddle Club, Lossiemouth Military Wives Choir, and dancing from the Alison Gordon School of Dance in Aberlour.

RBL Forres secretary Mary Sobey confirmed around 50 people attended.

She said: "Our chairman Eric Dugiud opened proceedings before Reverend Donald Prentice said the Tryst and a minute's silence was observed for the fallen comrades. Lossiemouth MWC sang a Vera Lynn medley and 'Stronger Together' amongst other songs. The fiddle club played then Katy and Lucy delighted us with several dances. Not forgetting Forres Pipe Band, who were excellent as ever."

Sir Irwin presented certificates to Forres In Bloom volunteer Barry Ashby and Ken Kennedy of Moray Council Lands and Park in appreciation for helping RBL Forres win the area and national Best Kept War Memorial competitions.

Ms Sobey said: "Mr Ashby's help is invaluable and Mr Kennedy co-ordinates all the work around Moray. We appreciate their year-round efforts."

The Legion holds a fundraising drive each year in the weeks before Remembrance Sunday,.

Ms Sobey added: "Buying a poppy helps our veterans and their families. It also reminds us we should never forget the ultimate sacrifice many have made to keep our world safe. Poppy Scotland has helped our Armed Forces over the years, including those still serving. The more money we can raise, the more we can help."

Call 01309 672131 or email secrblsforres@gmail.com for more information.