The Royal British Legion describes Covid-19 as "the nation's new war"

The Royal British Legion has described Covid-19 as "the nation's new war" as it encourages people to support the poppy appeal.

According to support charities - many of the those who've served their nation in war zones around the world now need ITS help more than ever before. 

Without traditional support networks in place, issues with post-traumatic stress syndrome or alcohol misuse have spiralled. As a result, one Hull-based group says it's seen so-called suicide calls rise by 700 percent during the pandemic.

Royal British Legion volunteers have been unable to carry out face to face collections and Remembrance services and parades are being cancelled.

In the absence of many of the volunteer poppy sellers, the Legion are selling poppies via their website and have a downloadable poppy poster to print and display in a window.

Some, like The Yorkshire Regiment - are producing virtual Remembrance services this year.

In Hull the city council is working with the Legion to ensure that the millions who lost their lives in the First World War and subsequent conflicts are honoured.

Sunday's parade has been cancelled but a service and wreath laying will take place on Wednesday 11th November for a small number of invited guests and members of the public are welcome to lay wreathes and wooden crosses at the Cenotaph at a time to suit them.

Members of the public are also encouraged to stand on their doorsteps across the region to take part in a two-minute silence at 11am on Sunday (8th November) in a campaign backed by the Royal British Legion.