Poppy Appeal organisers have called on Oxfordshire residents to defy the economic climate and help raise more than £500,000 for injured and retired servicemen.

The Royal British Legion is bidding to smash last year’s £435,114 county total when collectors hit the streets in the coming days.

This year’s appeal is entitled The Afghanistan Generation to draw attention to the plight of families affected by the conflict.

Last night, county servicemen and veterans urged shoppers to buy poppies and show their support.

Oxfordshire Royal British Legion community fundraiser Louise Sherwood said conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq have made the legion more important than ever.

She added: “Despite the current economic times, we trust the people of Oxfordshire will show their sympathy and support for those who have sacrificed on behalf of their country.”

Nationwide, the Poppy Appeal aims to raise a record £36m.

Royal British Legion county manager Linda Flecknell said cash would help fight compensation battles for injured personnel.

She said: “We represented one-third of all appeals for higher compensation payments for injuries suffered in Afghanistan.

“Our campaigns have led to increased compensation awards which have placed an extra £12m in the pockets of the most seriously injured.

“The legion currently spends more than £1.4m a week or over £200,000 a day in its work helping over 160,000 other members of the Armed Forces family – dependants, veterans and the bereaved.”

Jim Lewendon, branch secretary of Marston Royal British Legion, will be selling poppies in his usual spot outside Carfax, Oxford, from 9am on Saturday.

Mr Lewendon said: “Because of what is happening in Afghanistan, it is now more important than ever for people to support the appeal.

“I would back calls for people to buy their poppies and wear them with pride.”

RAF Benson spokesman Nikki Hamilton said: “We are honoured to be able to assist the Royal British Legion with the launch of their poppy appeal this year.

“The legion provides outstanding support for veterans, not just of past conflicts but of current conflicts.

“We sincerely hope that the poppy appeal surpasses the fundraising total last year for Oxfordshire.

“We thank everyone who buys a poppy this year for helping the Royal British Legion to help us and all our Armed Forces colleagues, past and present.”

For queries about eligibility for funding, call Yvette Smith on 01844 216961.