A ghostly figure of a WW1 Horse and Rider will herald the start of the 2018 Poppy Appeal as they deliver a message to the people of Cornwall from those who fell and did not return from The Great War in 1918.

The ceremony will take place at a charity ball at the Falmouth Hotel hosted by Councillor Mary May, Chairman of Cornwall Council, on Friday, October 26.

The ball also marks the official Cornwall Poppy Appeal Launch.

The horse and rider will make their way from Events Square in Falmouth towards the seaward side of the Falmouth Hotel where, welcomed by a lone piper piping a lament, the rider will – without a word – hand the message housed in a spent cartridge to Group Captain Mike Trace who will receive the message on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant.

Councillor Mary May, a long-time supporter of the Royal British legion is asking for the general public to wear their poppy with pride and to help support the Armed Forces community past and present.  She said "I am delighted to support this year's appeal; every donation received will make a real difference to the lives of Service men and women, veterans and their loved ones. 

"The Royal British Legion uses the donations from the annual appeal to make a real difference to all of our Forces families in their hour of need.  It is so very important to support those who have served and presently serve in our Armed Forces."

 Annie Binding, County Fundraiser for the Poppy Appeal said, "The Royal British Legion is marking the end of this First World War Centenary year by saying 'Thank You' to the generation who served, sacrificed and changed our world.  

"Everyone has a connection to the First World War, and therefore we all have a reason to say 'Thank You' for the legacy that such an extraordinary generation left for us."

She added: "The First World War left countless legacies that positively impact our lives today, from ground breaking social change and timeless works of art to pioneering innovations. 

"As we come to the end of the First World War Centenary now is the time to come together in our communities and say a huge 'Thank You' for the lives we enjoy today"

Story posted 25 October 2018