D-DAY veteran John Dennett has launched this year's Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

The 94-year-old, from Wallasey, joined current serving personnel from 4 Para and 3 Rifles to collect for the charity during the launch event in Liverpool.

The money raised will enable the Legion to continue its vital work delivering life-long support to Service and ex-Service personnel and their families through hardships, injuries and bereavements.

Normandy veteran John lied about his age in order to join the Navy at the age of 17 in March 1942.

He was on a landing craft carrying tanks and lorries that landed on Sword Beach on D-Day.

John said: "I think we made a dozen or so crossings in all. On the return journeys we would be loaded up with injured troops and prisoners."

John also took part in beach landings during Operation Torch in north Africa, and in Sicily, Salerno and Anzio in Italy.

He still enjoys returning to Normandy and gives talks to local school children near his home.

This year, the Legion is urging the nation to recognise the unseen service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces, past and present.

Throughout this year's Poppy Appeal the Legion will be shining a spotlight on the many hidden contributions made by the Armed Forces community every day.

The Legion uses donations in many ways including providing crisis grants, sport and art-based recovery programmes, specialist dementia care, lobbying the government on issues that affect our community and advising and supporting with benefits and money issues.

Community fundraiser Alison Mowlem said: "We are so proud to have the support of John Dennett in Liverpool this year.

"Each day our Armed Forces provide an incredible service to our country in all kinds of ways, many of which we don't necessarily see, but all of which impact our lives.

"The unseen sacrifices they make on our behalf deserve to be recognised so wear your poppy with pride and show your support for our Armed Forces community, past and present.

"Every donation received will make a real difference not only to the lives of Service men and women and veterans, but to their families as well who can also experience difficulties dealing with the circumstances of a loved one who is serving.”

John says he loves to be part of the Legion's Poppy Appeal – he said: "I'll go on selling poppies whilst I'm still standing - I get a kick out of it.

"You've got to spread the word."