BUSINESSES are being urged to back a popular initiative offering ex-servicemen and war veterans a free cuppa during the Poppy Appeal.

The plea comes from Ella Jane Brookbanks, who came up with the idea following a holiday in northern France.

For the past three years Wilmslow businesses have offered complimentary hot drinks to military personal and ex-servicemen during the Poppy Appeal, and Ella is hoping to get as many as possible involved this year.

She said: “When I was on holiday in Normandy I kept seeing signs in the windows of bars and cafes – which translated said ‘with thanks to our liberators, please come in, take a seat and we will look after you’.

“They practically laid out the red carpet for the Americans, British, Canadian and Australian Second World War veterans who fought in France and liberated Normandy from the German occupation.

“They gave them free wine, beer, food – at any time. I'm a huge supporter of our armed forces, and have recently been appointed as deputy to Khumi Burton for the Poppy Appeal in Wilmslow.

“I wanted to bring this idea to Wilmslow during the appeal in October and November.

“It has been fantastically supported by dozens of businesses, including pubs, cafes, estate agents and opticians, and I’m doing it again this year.”

Ella always launches the initiative on October 22, the date of her granddad's birthday.

She said: “He raised me and was a Second World War hero who fought in Burma with the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. He died a few years ago, and this is in his honour and memory.

“The initiative is backed by Steve Kennedy from Mailboxes Etc on Water Lane, who supports it in memory of his father, Ron Kennedy.

“I would love as many businesses as possible to be involved again this year.

“If they feel they cannot afford to do so, my Rainbow Unit - Lindow Rainbows - will be happy to sponsor and pay for any goods needed.

“This is about community, charities supporting charities - The Royal British Legion works tirelessly to support our armed forces and those who can no longer serve - I want to support them as much as possible.

"If any businesses want to be involved in anyway please call me on 07770 225993 or email me on ellajane_anderson@yahoo.co.uk."