THE 2017 Poppy Appeal has been launched, with organisers hoping to smash last year’s fundraising total.

A small army of area organisers and volunteer collectors have been recruited to ensure that every corner of Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire has poppies available in time for Remembrance Sunday, which is on November 12.

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s head of fundraising, said: “The Scottish Poppy Appeal generated £2.9 million last year and is the primary source of income for the charity, which funds the life-changing support we provide for the Armed Forces community.”

More than five million poppies have been distributed for this year’s Poppy Appeal, which is Scotland’s largest annual street collection.

In addition, some 60,000 collecting tins have been placed in shops and other venues across the country.

Organisers of the appeal say that buying a poppy helps to fund a range of vital services for serving and former servicemen and women, while wearing the potent symbol of remembrance is also a way of showing gratitude to those who have served their country.

This year, a social media campaign called #ExtraMile is being staged alongside the appeal.

The aim is to encourage people to raise funds by signing up for one of a range of sponsored activities, including a 10k run.

Supporters are also welcome to organise their own fundraising event.

A spokesperson for Poppyscotland said: “We provide and fund a variety of services and aim to help as many people in the Armed Forces community as possible.

“We support people of all ages, whether difficulties have arisen during time in the Armed Forces or many years later.

“We also help the families of ex-servicemen and women, including partners, widows, widowers and children.

“Every extra penny raised will make a massive difference to someone who urgently needs our help.”

For more information about this year’s appeal or to make a donation, visit the website at www.poppyscotland.org.uk.