Veterans of the Second World War, the Gulf War and the conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq and Northern Ireland were presented with poppies by school children at the launch of the 2008 Kent Poppy Appeal today.

Sadly, since the end of the Second World War, there has been only one year, 1968, when no British members of the armed forces have been killed in the service of their country.

Civic leaders and military commanders from across Kent gathered at County Hall, Maidstone, to attend today's launch, hosted by Kent County Council chairman, Cllr Peter Lake.

The poppies were presented to the veterans by children from All Souls' Church of England Primary School, Folkestone, and High Firs Primary School, Swanley.

Cllr Lake said: "In these tough economic times everyone suffers and the serving and ex-service community are no exception.

"With current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan we are reminded that the human cost of conflict is sadly ongoing and that the Poppy Appeal is still as relevant now as it ever has been.

"Today we are calling on everyone to give generously to the Poppy Appeal and, of course, wear your poppy with pride.

In Kent last year the appeal raised £985,261,10 which enabled the Royal British Legion to respond to 800 calls for help.