DAVID Crabbe will lead a team of 50 collectors for the Royal British Legion’s (RBL) Bicester and District branch Poppy Appeal as they work their way across the town.

The main collection point is at Sainsbury’s in Pioneer Square.

Last year Bicester raised a record £43,760.54.

Mr Crabbe said: “It would be magic if we could top that total. The support is out there and there is no reason why we can’t do it.

“The support from the public at this time of year is amazing.

“Most of the collecting tins have been sent out and our collectors will start selling poppies this weekend.”

Mr Crabbe served in the Army from 1964-1995 and is a retired major from the Royal Army Ordnance Corps.

He served in the Far East, Europe and Northern Ireland.

Grandfather Mr Crabbe, 69, has lived with wife Dawn in Bicester for the past 10 years.

He said: “Bicester is a garrison town and there is very strong support for the appeal here.

“We will have our main launch in Sheep Street on Saturday and collectors will be out from 8am.

“We hope people in Bicester will contribute so the RBL in Oxfordshire can reach their fundraising target.”