A CHANCE for the people of West Devon to show their support for today's soldiers, sailors and air force personnel, will be offered when the 2009 Devon Festival of Remembrance is held on November 5.

The event will also be a reminder of the importance of the Poppy Appeal and will be host to the band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines from the Commando Training Centre, Lympstone.

The evening's entertainment includes a performance by the Neath Male Voice Choir from South Wales and performances by pianist Richard Baker and mezzo-soprano Hollie-Anne Bangham.

Okehampton branch secretary of the Royal British Legion Peter Williams said: 'This past year has witnessed the greatest loss of life of Britain's Armed Forces in a single campaign since the Falklands War.

'In addition to the fallen, hundreds of service personnel have been seriously injured, both physically and mentally.

'There is going to be a growing demand for the support of the Royal British Legion in the years to come.

'The Poppy Appeal, therefore, is today more relevant than at any other time since the Korean War.'

The festival will also feature the traditional muster of Standards of Devon branches and service associations, as well as representatives of the armed forces, cadet forces, youth groups and emergency services.

Tickets cost £7 and can be ordered in advance at the RBL's Okehampton Branch and Social Club.

The branch has also arranged for a coach to take members, their families and friends to the festival, leaving Martin's Newsagent, Fore Street at 6pm.

Tickets may be bought and coach seats reserved at an extra £3 per person from the social club on Station Road, no later than Friday, September 25.

The 2009 Devon Festival of Remembrance will be held on Thursday, November 5 at the The Great Hall, University of Exeter at 7.30pm.