ARMED Forces charity Poppyscotland is searching for someone to lead the fundraising push in Dunblane this year and beyond.

It is on the lookout for a new Scottish Poppy Appeal Area Organiser (AO).

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland head of fundraising, said: “We’re looking for individuals, groups of friends, or community organisations that have good organisational skills to step forward to lead this year’s appeal in Dunblane.

"Last year, £13,500 was raised in the area, but, without your help, we will struggle to collect even a fraction of that amount.

“By volunteering for Poppyscotland you will be helping us transform the lives of Scottish veterans, those currently serving, and their families who are in need.

"The money raised from the annual Poppy Appeal enables us to provide life-changing support to those affected by many issues including poverty, mental health problems and disability.

"Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and, without their vital support, we simply wouldn’t be able to run the Scottish Poppy Appeal.”

He said getting involved also offers some great benefits as volunteers gain a real sense of achievement, immense pride and satisfaction by doing something worthwhile.

He added: "It’s also a great opportunity to meet new people and have fun while giving something back, so, if this sounds like something for you, please do get in touch.”

Outgoing AO Lynne Reed has been pioneering the fundraising effort in Dunblane since 2011.

Lynne is moving to Newcastle and so is looking to pass the Poppyscotland baton on.

She said: “I have found that the public are very much aware of what the Scottish Poppy Appeal stands for and, therefore, it’s not difficult to encourage people to contribute.

“Being the poppy convenor has allowed me to meet lots of interesting people in my own community that I would ordinarily not have come into contact with, such as Air Cadets, the Boys Brigade, and local schoolchildren and teachers.

"It has made me feel very much a part of the community in which I live.”

Area organisers form a 420-strong team covering every city, town and village in Scotland.

They help the charity to pin more than five million poppies on to Scotland’s coats, jackets and jumpers.

The Scottish Poppy Appeal raised around the £3 million mark last year thanks to the support of the public and the dedication of 10,000 volunteers.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Sally McNaught, deputy head of fundraising at Poppyscotland, on 0131 550 1559, or email at volunteer@poppyscotland.org.uk