Communities are being urged to "rethink remembrance" after new generations of heroes were saluted at the launch of this year's Poppy Appeal.

Towns and villages across the county enjoyed a step back in time as a vintage 1940s red double-decker made its way across Cumbria today to invite more people to remember those killed in action, as well as recognising younger veterans and serving soldiers.

As the 1940s bus evokes memories of the Second World War and centenary anniversaries of The Great War continue to roll by, British Legion bosses are also encouraging people to remember the heroes of today.

Judith Reay, community fundraiser for Cumbria and the Isle of Man, said: "Our target is £500,000 for the whole of Cumbria.

"We receive so many calls on a daily basis and we work in every postcode in the area.

"This year we're re-thinking remembrance; it's not just the First World War or Second World War, it's about other generations.

"We're still supporting servicemen and woman, not just veterans.

"Last year, we had more than 780,000 requests from servicemen, women, ex-military personnel and their families.

"We have a huge amount of research going on to help people live on and that's our message: live on."

The Royal British Legion wants to turn the poppy into a symbol of hope by allowing the armed forces community to live on through providing mental health care, adaptions for people with disabilities and even family holidays.