S Club 7 launch poppy appeal

Young and old: S Club 7 join Dame Thora Hird for the launch

Pop group S Club 7 have launched this year's Poppy Appeal with a pledge to honour the two-minute silence on Armistice Day, 11 November.

The band were in Covent Garden, London, on Thursday with Dame Thora Hird to launch the appeal, which this year aims to raise £20m.

Young and old can unite to support a unique institution

Dame Thora Hird

The group's Jon Lee said: It is very rare we get any silence - we are all very rowdy."

All seven members' grandfathers fought in the war and they said they are keen to boost interest in the appeal among the younger generation.

Tina said: "We are raising money for old war veterans - we have family who risked their lives for the country and we must remember them and hope to raise young people's support."

Dame Thora, 89, said: "Young and old can unite to support a unique institution which continues to offer unparalleled support to ex-servicemen, women and their families.

"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for those war veterans."

Spice Girls Mel B and Victoria Beckham join Vera Lynn in 1997

Appeal organiser the Royal British Legion have turned to pop acts in recent years to raise the fund-raising profile.

Last year Irish heart-throbs Westlife launched the drive for funds and in 1997 the Spice Girls were involved.

Noel Rogers, chairman of fund-raising at the Royal British Legion, said: "Once again it is marvellous to see the Poppy Appeal supported by all generations highlighting the relevance of our annual campaign.

"The Poppy Appeal is the life-blood of the Legion's welfare programme.

"Wearing a poppy, the symbol of remembrance, is a small yet significant gesture when we remember the price of freedom."

The legion is calling on people to observe the two-minute silence on Armistice Day at 1100 on Saturday, 11 November.