The 2026 Poppy Appeal in Leeds has officially launched following a poignant ceremony held at Leeds Civic Hall.
Key civic figures - including the Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Stephen Holroyd, Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Professor Adeeba Malik CBE, and High Sheriff of West Yorkshire Dr Ruby Bhatti OBE DL - joined local military veterans to receive their poppies and mark the start of the annual fundraising campaign.
Among the veterans attending were 80-year-old Neil Munro from Leeds, who served in Aden, Yemen, alongside fellow veterans Simon Brown and Paul Bradford.
The ceremony also saw special recognition awarded to Jonathan Calvert and Emma Shackleton for their exceptional contributions to the Royal British Legion’s ongoing work across the region.
James Hardisty captured some of the moments from yesterday's official launch at Leeds Civic Hall.
1. Launch of The Leeds Poppy Appeal
Veteran Neil Munro receiving his poppy from the Lord Mayor of Leeds Stephen Holroyd. | James Hardisty
2. Launch of The Leeds Poppy Appeal
Veterans Simon Brown, Paul Bradford and Neil Munro, wearing their poppies. | James Hardisty
3. Launch of The Leeds Poppy Appeal
Veterans Simon Brown, Paul Bradford and Neil Munro, wearing their poppies | James Hardisty
4. Launch of The Leeds Poppy Appeal
A special award to Jonathan Calvert, and Emma Shackleton, for their contributions to the Royal British Legion poppy | James Hardisty
5. Launch of The Leeds Poppy Appeal
Veteran Simon Brown, receiving his poppy from Professor Adeeba Malik CBE Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire. | James Hardisty
6. Launch of The Leeds Poppy Appeal
Veteran Paul Bradford receiving his poppy from Dr Ruby Bhatti OBE DL High Sheriff of West Yorkshire | James Hardisty