AN appeal is being made for volunteers to help marshal this year’s Poppy Day parade from Old Hill to the Rowley Regis war memorial.

Police shortages and building works at the Powke Lane crematorium and cemetery mean an extra half dozen marshals are needed to ensure the safety of those taking part on Sunday November 9.

Blackheath Royal British Legion secretary Mark Spilsbury said: “The police have been spread very thinly for the last couple of years and have asked that we try provide more of our own marshals.”

He said a couple of cars come dangerously close to the back of the parade last year, but he has been assured a police car will travel at the rear this year.

Mr Spilsbury is looking for ex- military personnel or people with experience to volunteer.

The parade will set off from the Alachi car park, Highgate Street, at 10.30am to reach the memorial at the crematorium at 10.45am for the service of remembrance.

The marchers will then return to the Spring Meadow Social Club, Old Hill.

Volunteers should contact Mr Spilsbury on 07950 948013.

Meanwhile, Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris will attend Cradley’s Remembrance Day parade and service, marching from the Colley Lane community centre to St Peter’s Church at 2.35pm.

He will also attend Halesowen’s parade which will set off from Somers Square at 10.25am and arrive at St John the Baptist Church for the traditional wreath laying service at 10.40am.

Brother and sister Cub Samuel Keenan, aged nine, and Beaver Caitlin, aged seven, from the 1st Halesowen Scouts will introduce a new tradition of carrying the wreaths through the chancel to the vicar during the service inside the church.

Their grandfather, Halesowen legion branch president Norman Keenan will take the salute as the parade marches away for a reception at the Townsend Sports and Social Club.

Other parades include the march from Oldbury’s Low Town car park, off Birmingham Street, to the war memorial in the town centre.