Students from Barking and Dagenham College have gone into shops this week, selling a range of items to support the Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal.

The public services students must complete voluntary work as part of their programme of study, which gives them the opportunity to engage with members of the public and develop their employability skills as well as supporting a worthy cause.

In 2015, the college strengthened its links to the Royal British Legion by becoming a Youth Affiliated organisation at an official signing ceremony.

The partnership has been facilitated through the Legion’s Elm Park Branch.

It gives the public services students a range of volunteer and fundraising opportunities, many of whom are working towards careers in either the armed or emergency services.