CROWDS turned out to support the launch of this year's Somerset and Bristol Poppy Appeal which featured a West Somerset Railway steam train and a Minehead veteran.

To mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance and hope, the Royal British Legion charted a special train from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead last Friday.

Its 350 passengers included RBL members, poppy organisers, collectors and volunteers who embraced the theme of the 2014 appeal, The Evacuation.

The front of the Norton Manor engine was emblazoned with a giant poppy, while the coaches were also decorated with the symbolic flower.

The train was met at Minehead by the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Ceremonial Unit who struck up a suitable note for the occasion.

And amongst the special guests was World War Two veteran Jim Collins.

Now 92, Jim was a lieutenant commander who worked on the Arctic Convoys.

He spent two years escorting merchant ships carrying supplies to Murmansk and Archangel, enduring some of the toughest weather conditions imaginable.

In all, Jim completed 11 escorts on HMS Shropshire and HMS Jamaica and during the Battle of North Cape in 1943 he was involved in the sinking of the German battle cruiser the Scharnhorst.

Last year he was awarded the long awaited Arctic Star and he has just received a Russian equivalent military honour.

Other guests at the launch included Minehead Mayor Cllr Les Smith and his wife, Somerset RBL president David Godsal, county chairman Roger Duddridge and area manager Alistair Maxwell.

Mr Maxwell said as the centenary of the outbreak of World War One was marked it was as important as ever to wear a poppy and remember the sacrifices and commitment made by Britain's armed forces - then and now.

"The message behind this year's Poppy Appeal is Live On - to the memory of the fallen and future of the living, which captures perfectly why it's so important to donate to the appeal and wear a poppy."

The fundraising target for Somerset and Bristol this year is £1 million which will go towards the RBL's national target of £40m to continue its work delivering practical, through life care and support to the armed forces community.

Photo: Paul Scullion