FOOTBALLERS helped to kick-off the Poppy Appeal in the Vale in style.

Evesham United Football Club allowed members of Evesham Royal British Legion Branch and local cadets to collect for this year’s appeal and £116.96 was given to the cause.

Jeff King, chairman of the Evesham Royal British Legion Branch, said: “I am most grateful to the Evesham United Football Club committee for kindly allowing this collection to take place on their fantastic new premises.

“It was also a great honour to have our photographs taken with the Evesham United football team.”

Roy Bates, Evesham Poppy Appeal Organiser, said: “I would like to thank the cadets for all their hard efforts in making this collection which amounted to a glorious £116.96 – a wonderful kick-off to our 2012 appeal.”