Nell McAndrew launched the Royal British Legion's recruitment drive to find volunteers for the Poppy Appeal with two guardsmen from the Grenadier Guards

Flanked by two soldiers from the Grenadier Guards TV personality and model Nell McAndrew urged people to become Poppy Appeal volunteers.

She was at Westfield Stratford City to launch The Royal British Legion’s Poppy People campaign, a national recruitment drive for volunteers ahead of this year’s Poppy Appeal.

Nell, who was joined by two Guardsmen from the 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards today, appealed for a new generation of volunteers to step forward. She said: “The Legion helps young people and their families who are in Service or have recently left, so we’re urging younger volunteers to come forward to reflect this support.”

The Poppy Appeal is the Legion’s principal way of raising money during the year, and thousands of volunteers are needed to do a variety of roles such as distributing poppies and collecting on streets, in shops and workplaces.

Russell Thompson, OBE, The Legion’s Director of Fundraising, said: “An army of 350,000 people supported the Poppy Appeal last year and helped raise a staggering £40 million to help care for our Armed Forces and their families.

“Without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers and the public’s generous support we would not be able to meet the increasing need for our services.

“I urge everyone to get involved with the Poppy Appeal 2012, which is all about standing shoulder to shoulder with all who serve and their families. Our volunteers have a great time for a great cause.”

To find out how to get involved, visit www.britishlegion.org.uk/support-us/volunteering