THE search is on for the next generation of volunteers to help remember Britain's war heroes following a slump in the number of Poppy Appeal collectors in Hampshire.

Royal British Legion bosses have launched the search for helpers after revealing the amount of money raised last year slumped to just under £700,000 in the county.

Southampton currently has just 17 collectors, while there are about 1,000 in Hampshire. Organisers say the two and a half per cent drop in cash raised was because of the shortfall.

They are looking for younger recruits because many war veterans are having to give up collecting themselves because of ill health.

Shane Hearn, county field officer for the legion, said: "Last year was the first time in five years that the Poppy Appeal in Hampshire dropped.

"We analysed why it happened and it was because there was not enough collectors.

"Collectors are getting older and many are no longer able to do it so we need an influx of young collectors. We had people complaining last year they could not find a poppy."

The appeal started in 1921 and £21.4m was raised across the country in 2002. More than 300,000 ex-service people contact the legion for help every year.

Services include home visits for elderly members and re-training for people when they leave the Forces.

John Roberts, 72, who served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, has had to give up his collecting role of 25 years because of ill health.

He said: "I enjoy doing it, there's a lot of camaraderie and it's a shame I have to give it up. We want people to come and take it over."

The appeal for collectors was launched at the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton, and among the guests was Southampton mayor Parvin Damani.

The city councillor gave an immediate boost by offering a few hours of her time to become a collector later this year.

For more details on becoming a collector telephone 0800 085 5924 or e-mail poppypeople@britishlegion.org.uk.