ONE of Britain's oldest poppy sellers who has been hailed a national treasure lent a helping hand yesterday, as a Royal British Legion group officially unveiled its centenary Poppy Appeal.

November 11 will be a particularly poignant day as it will mark 100 years since the bloody First World War, which claimed millions of lives across continents, finally came to an end.

And yesterday, the Gwent County Royal British Legion officially unveiled its Poppy Appeal at Tesco in Spytty.

Crowds of people were eager to buy a poppy from Auschwitz survivor Ron Jones, who is 101.

The Bassaleg resident said: "I have been selling poppies for 30 years.

"It is lovely to be here and I am excited.

"I am the oldest poppy seller in Wales."

He added: "Even when I turn 102 next April I will carry on selling poppies."

At 11am a one-minute silence was carried out and deputy mayor Cllr Councillor Phil Hourahine unveiled the Poppy Appeal stand.

Mike Jones, who is the poppy coordinator for the group, said: "Following the launch, you will now be able to see us in most of the major shopping markets across Gwent.

"This is a unique year, not just for our country but the world, because it will be a 100 years since the war finished.

"We have been holding Poppy Appeals for years and we always get a lot of positivity from the people of Gwent."

The Poppy Appeal co-ordinator also said that he hopes to raise as much money for the Royal British Legion as possible.

"We are confident we can raise a lot of money," he said.

"We have bought millions of poppies and now we need to sell them.

"The money is for a very good cause.

"Come on out and get yourself a poppy to mark 100 years since the ending of the war."

Mr Jones added: "We are keen for volunteers to come in all of our voluntary places. We need more numbers, feel free to get in touch if you want to help."

If you are interested in volunteering for the group, ring Mr Jones on 07875 089933.