A rallying cry has gone out to estate agents and business leaders in Norwich to help raise thousands of pounds for war veterans and their families by providing an empty shop in the city.

The Royal British Legion raises millions of pounds every year through its Poppy Appeal and this year organisers of the Norwich appeal are looking for a dedicated Poppy shop in the city.

Last year the shop was located in the Back of the Inns in the old Whittard building next to the entrance of the Mall and this year organisers are looking for somewhere similar in the city.

Jenny Simpson, a volunteer for the RBL said: 'It was very successful last year and we wanted to put out an SOS to any estate agent or shop owner who has a similar shop and would be willing to let us have it for three weeks or so.

It's very important to us because its the focal point for the Poppy Appeal and last year we raised more than �6,000 over the two weeks.

'We need it from about the middle of October and that will give us a week or so to move in, get some posters put up and get things sorted out. The appeal starts on October 29 and runs until November 14.'

The shop, which will be run by volunteers, will sell traditional poppies as well as things like car stickers, lapel badges crosses and other related items.

People have in the past also been able to order wreaths and collect them from the shop.

Ernie Green, Poppy Appeal organiser for Norwich, said it was important to get a shop in the city to conduct the appeal from so the RBL could have a visible presence.

He said: 'Last year we were fortunate enough to have a shop loaned to us for the appeal and we actually made more than �6,000 in the shop which was all brand new donations. We've got to be able to have somewhere to give volunteers their poppy boxes. It also acts as a base for all the volunteers.'

If you can help provide a shop call Mr Green on 07881910979.