THE parents of a young North Yorkshire soldier killed in Iraq today called on people in York "for as much help as they can give" in support of this year's Poppy Appeal.

Sandra and John Hyde, parents of Lance Corporal Ben Hyde killed earlier this year in Al Majar Al-Kabri in Iraq were present at the launch of this year's Poppy Appeal in Mansion House today.

The launch was also attended by the Lord Mayor Coun Charles Hall and the Lady Mayoress, Mrs Janet Hall and Royal British Legion county president, Major General Keith Birch.

John Hyde said: "The money does go to help local ex-servicemen and the families who may have lost their main breadwinners.

"These people may be unable to work through the injuries they have suffered and need help.

"It's also a way of remembering all those who have died in all the conflicts there have been, not just the two world wars."

Two wives of York servicemen also attended the launch.

Kay Harper, 32, of Linton-on-Ouse, wife of Sgt Paul Harper, who is currently serving with the RAF in The Gulf said that this was the first poppy launch she had been to. She said: "People buying poppies is a way of remembering and of helping welfare work of the Royal British Legion."

York business the Shepherd Building Group also supported the Poppy Appeal with a £1,500 donation and a giant poppy displayed on their Fulford Road premises.

The Poppy Appeal, which last year raised £21.18 million nation-wide has been providing welfare support to the ex-service community for 82 years.

Updated: 15:54 Friday, October 24, 2003