One of the stars of TV’s Poldark is to play a major role in the launch of this year’s Cornwall Poppy Appeal in Charlestown.

Berthed in Charlestown’s Inner Harbour, The Phoenix – a two-masted period square rigger known world-wide for her work with a host of actors and directors, is now preparing to take centre stage.

Annie Binding, community fund-raiser for the Royal British Legion and co-ordinator of the county’s Poppy Appeal said: ’How fortunate we are to have been granted permission by the ship’s owners Square Sail Ventures to stage this year’s Poppy Appeal launch aboard such a beautiful brigantine.’

The charity will herald the start of the annual Poppy Appeal at 4pm on October 27 in Charlestown’s Inner Harbour. All are welcome to come and watch as The Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Colonel Edward Bolitho, fires one of the ship’s cannons to signal the start of the campaign.

The launch marks the start of many related ‘Poppy’ events around the county, one of which is the ‘Remember’ concert to be held in Truro Cathedral on Saturday, October 29 at 7.30pm.

Artists performing include internationally renowned opera singer Anthony Mee (tenor), Suzanne Manuell (soprano) and Cornwall’s very own Camborne Town Band.

Tickets are now on sale through the Hall for Cornwall booking office.

Last year’s Cornwall Poppy Appeal raised almost £540,000.