A regional daily is appealing for readers to volunteer as poppy sellers ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

The Bristol Post has teamed up with the Royal British Legion to urge people to give up two hours of their time to support the Poppy Appeal.

The campaign has been launched in memory of Olive Cooke, who sold poppies for 76 years outside Bristol Cathedral.

In May 92-year-old Olive, pictured above left, jumped to her death from the city’s Clifton Suspension Bridge, after leaving a note telling relatives she could no longer cope with her failing health and depression.

Olive is thought to have sold around 30,000 poppies during her association with the RBL.

The Post has christened the new volunteers ‘Olive’s Army’, and plans to run stories on them as they sign up to the campaign.

Editor Mike Norton said: “The Post is proud to be able help the RBL find more sellers for its Poppy Appeal. I am sure many readers will come forward – particularly in memory of Olive Cooke.”

Sue Potepa, RBL community fundraiser for Bristol and South Gloucestershire, said: “The work we do and the Poppy Appeal is all about making sure we never forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country and our freedom. We will, of course, miss Olive this year.

“She dedicated an incredible 76 years of her life to the appeal. But there are many long-standing volunteers in Bristol who have worked tirelessly for us.

“Our concern is the average age of many of our volunteers is 70. We need more volunteers and the next generation to come forward and get involved, even if it is just pledging a couple of hours to sell poppies at your local supermarket, in your workplace, or answer the phone for us.”