PARTS of the St Albans district are desperately in need of more volunteer collectors for the annual Poppy Appeal.

The appeal is suffering from a shortage of collectors at sites around the county and specifically in St Albans, Harpenden and Smallford.

Natasha Robertson, community fundraiser for Herts, said: “People in Hertfordshire are always so supportive and do dig deep for us.

“During our collections we always have a great sense of reward as people always have a soft spot for the Poppy Appeal and our cause.”

But she said that success this year required more volunteers coming forward to work in town centres and supermarkets.

Natasha said: “All money raised through the Poppy Appeal will go towards providing vital support for the armed forces and their families.

“So we’re urging everyone to get involved and raise as much as they can for the 2012 Poppy Appeal. Families are pinning their hopes on you.”

Last year the Herts appeal raised �814,063 and hopes to exceed its target of �850,000 during this year’s appeal which runs from Saturday until Remembrance Sunday on November 11.

To volunteer contact Natasha on 0203 465 9174 or email nrobertson@britishlegion.org.uk.

To donate to the appeal, visit www.britishlegion.org.uk/support-us/how-to-give.

n On Tuesday representatives from the Royal British Legion caught a morning train from St Albans to St Pancras and sold giant poppies to raise awareness about the forthcoming appeal.

Throughout the fortnight of the campaign, volunteers selling poppies will be at St Albans City and other First Capital Connect (FCC), stations.

FCC managing director Neal Lawson said: “Our armed forces make an enormous sacrifice for this country and to be able to play an important part in the vital fundraising campaign on their behalf is an honour.”