Army veteran Frank Hall has been collecting for the Poppy Appeal for 40 years.

But the 86-year-old, from Stonesfield, steps down after next month's appeal and is calling on the community to take up his good work.

Mr Hall has been the Poppy Appeal organiser for the Royal British Legion in Stonesfield and Combe since 1969.

He said: "I have put the word around and put a notice in the local newsletter that I'm planning to retire and was expecting somebody to come forward — but no-one has.

"I know some people wrongly associate the appeal with just the First and Second World Wars.

"But since 1945, there have been 32,000 deaths in the British Forces and there are all those relatives that have got to be looked after. It makes me quite sad."

Mr Hall first wore uniform in the Home Guard, before joining the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry in 1942 and serving until 1947, rising to the rank of sergeant.

His unit was part of the D-Day invasion force in 1944, and he fought in the Battle of the Bulge and in the crossing of the River Rhine in 1945. He then served in Palestine in the run-up to the creation of Israel.

He said: "I could carry on and struggle along with the collection, but anything could happen to me at any time, and after 40 years, I think I have served it well.

"I would like to be able to pass it on and be happy knowing that someone would look after the organisation around here properly."

Peter Boyle, of the Oxfordshire Royal British Legion, said: "Mr Hall has put in many years of dedicated service and we're very grateful for his hard work.

"The money he has raised has helped a great many people and he will be a very hard act to follow indeed."

Anyone interested in taking over from Mr Hall in Stonesfield and Combe should call him on 01993 891428.