RESIDENTS of Dunkirk Memorial House in Bishops Lydeard have helped to launch a national breadmaker's campaign to raise £100,000 for the Royal British Legion (RBL) this autumn.

The house is run by the RBL and offers care with nursing for all pensioners, not just former armed services personnel.

Resident Bill Evans was among those who gave his support to Hovis' campaign to raise £100,000 for the RBL.

He said: "I'm backing Hovis' fundraising initiative as the Royal British Legion has been invaluable in providing support to people like me who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces."

The bread giant had pledged to make a donation to the RBL's Poppy Appeal for every special bag of Hovis Seed Sensations bread and rolls sold between now and November 15.

Dunkirk Memorial House residents were each given a loaf of the special packs as they helped launch the initiative.

A Hovis spokesman said the firm had decided to support the RBL because of the company's heritage for helping British servicemen and women.

In 1941, Hovis provided a Spitfire plane to the RAF for its World War Two effort.

Photo: Richard Lapis