Bitterly cold weather failed to stop Royal British Legion poppy sellers hitting Oxford’s streets at the weekend.

A team of dedicated volunteers were out in the city centre for the first time this year to involve shoppers in the campaign.

For Jim Lewendon, 79, the weekend’s collecting was nothing new. The ex-serviceman has been selling poppies for 35 years.

The great-grandfather of six was one of four volunteers in Carfax.

Mr Lewendon, who lives in Headington, said: “Although it’s obviously a cold job standing here from 8.30am until early afternoon, it is all for a very worthwhile cause.

“You get to meet lots of different, interesting people who are proud to be wearing their poppies.”

Mr Lewendon will be selling poppies again today, tomorrow and Wednesday.

His efforts will go towards an Oxford Mail campaign to beat the £611,089 raised in Oxfordshire for last year’s Poppy Appeal.

Among his customers was Monica Jones, of North Oxford, who said: “I want to be seen wearing my poppy and am proud of all that it stands for.

“It is important people remember the sacrifices others made for our freedom.”

Falklands War veteran Stephen Davies, 46, also added to the appeal.

Mr Davies, who is currently living in a night shelter in Oxford, served in 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment and the Welsh Guards for nine years.

He said: “This is all about supporting the troops.”

Jerry McGrath, from Bicester, bought poppies for his three year-old twins.

He said: “We wear our poppies to support the troops.

“It’s important to instil in youngsters what the Poppy Appeal is all about. I want the twins to grow up understanding why we wear poppies.”

Jean Sharpe, 75, from Radley, near Abingdon, said: “Buying a poppy is the least we can do to show our support.”

The Oxford Mail has launched a campaign urging the people of Oxfordshire to get behind this year’s Poppy Appeal.

The target of £611,089 is well within our sights.

If everyone in the county donated a pound to the appeal, it would generate £635,000 – so please give generously.

If you would like to do more for the Poppy Appeal, visit www.poppy.org.uk