The country's oldest man made a homecoming to Eastbourne to promote this year's Poppy Appeal.

Henry Allingham, 110, has moved from the town he thinks of as home but returned yesterday to the newly built Royal British Legion centre in Southbourne Business Park to launch the appeal.

Henry is the oldest World War I veteran and last week he met his German counterpart in Germany who is 109. Henry is also the last surviving member of the British Air Services, the last founder member of the RAF and the last known survivor of the battle of Jutland.

He was awarded the Gold Medal of St Omer and the Legion of Honour.

Mayor of Eastbourne Colin Belsey and Eastbourne Borough Council leader Ian Lucas joined him for the launch.

Councillor Lucas said: "It is always a privilege to meet Henry and we are extremely grateful to him for coming to formally launch this year's Poppy Appeal."

The preparation for this year's appeal began on October 19, with poppies being assembled and collection tins delivered to collectors. Poppies are available at many locations across Eastbourne until Sunday.

Poppies and wreaths are available from the Royal British legion centre in Southbourne Business Park on Courtlands Road, Eastbourne.