National poppy plea by Kidderminster soldier's fiancee

The fiancee and daughter of a Kidderminster soldier killed in Afghanistan are fronting the national Poppy Appeal launched today to raise millions of pounds for charity.

Emma-Jayne Webster, aged 28, was asked by the Royal British Legion to pose for a poster which will be seen across the country as part of the national campaign.

She immediately agreed to take part as a thank-you to the charity for its support following the death of Lance Corporal Richard Brandon last September.

The poster shows Miss Webster with her and Mr Brandon's four-year-old daughter Kaitlin kneeling at the fallen soldier's grave with an arrangement of flowers.

The caption reads "its not as painful to put on a poppy".

It will be seen at 6,000 locations around the country along with a poster of Gunner Mark Stonelake, who lost a leg fighting in Afghanistan.

Miss Webster and Kaitlin are also appearing in the legion's first TV advert to raise cash for soldiers wounded in battle and bereaved families.

The charity aims to raise around £36m from this year's appeal beating last year's record of £35m.

Miss Webster and her daughter attended the appeal's official launch today at the Colchester Garrison, the home of the 16 Air Assault Brigade currently serving in Afghanistan.

The event was for families and friends of serving soldiers and those killed in action who were treated to a private concert by pop group The Saturdays.

Mr Brandon, aged 24, was killed after his vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, while on a vital resupply.

By Lee Watton