A day-long vigil at the Cenotaph marking the start of this year's Poppy Appeal was opened by singer Joss Stone.

Dubbed 'The Watch', the event will see more than 80 people taking part from sunrise to sunset in 21 shifts. They will include beneficiaries of the Royal British Legion and its staff, members of the public and armed forces personnel.

Stone, whose Poppy Appeal single No Man's Land (Green Fields of France) was recorded with guitarist Jeff Beck and will be released on November 3, was joined by 29-year-old former Royal Marine Commando Pete Dunning who lost both legs fighting in Afghanistan.

The Legion's Poppy Appeal target this year is £40 million. Director of fundraising Charles Byrne said: "Every year the Legion organises the annual Remembrance Sunday march past the Cenotaph. The Watch is different. The Watch gives individual civilians, serving personnel and veterans the opportunity to remember a loved one, celebrate a family member who is serving or has served or to simply show their respect and support for our brave armed forces community."

This year's appeal has a particular resonance as it falls during during the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, from which the poppy tradition derives.