THIS year s poppy appeal was launched in Weston this weekend by Britain s last remaining Tommy.

THIS year's poppy appeal was launched in Weston this weekend by Britain's last remaining Tommy.

Former serviceman Harry Patch was the guest of honour as thousands of poppies were blasted into the skies over the Beach Lawns at Weston's seafront on Saturday.

The 109-year-old is the last remaining survivor of thousands of British Army soldiers who fought and died in World War One at Passchendaele and Ypres.

The annual Poppy Appeal remembers those who have fallen in past conflicts around the globe and current wars such as those in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Weston's Mayor John Ley-Morgan was present at the ceremony along with members of Weston Brass.

A flypast by the Army Air Corps Historic Aircraft Flight was followed by the dedication of a memorial stone.

The 2007 appeal is being promoted by Poppy Man, a figure seemingly made from poppies to show the support given by the British Royal Legion to current and former servicemen and their families.

The event took place opposite Somerset Legion House, a convalescing home for injured servicemen with space for 75 guests.