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Thousands of troops, veterans and cadets packed London's stations as London Poppy Day marked its 20th anniversary

A rose left at a collecting stall, as Dame Elaine Paige recorded a special tannoy announcement for commuters marking London Poppy Day's 20th anniversary.
A rose left at a collecting stall, as Dame Elaine Paige recorded a special tannoy announcement for commuters marking London Poppy Day's 20th anniversary.

The Royal British Legion's London Poppy Day marked its 20th anniversary on Thursday, with close to 2,500 service personnel and volunteers fanning out across the capital's railway stations and transport hubs to raise funds. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Veterans and People Minister Calvin Bailey joined Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Harv Smyth at the collecting stalls, while Dame Elaine Paige recorded a special tannoy announcement for commuters.

EastEnders actor Ross Kemp, 62, launched the appeal aboard a Thames Clippers service on the River Thames — a first for the event.

Military bands and choirs took to the concourses at over 20 stations — among them Waterloo, Liverpool Street, Euston and London Bridge — at intervals across the day.

Last year's event raised £1.478m; this year's teams are hoping to top £1m in just 24 hours for veterans and their families.

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