A WIRRAL marine injured on duty in Afghanistan was among veterans taking part in a special vigil commemorating the First World War's centenary in London today.

Lance Corporal Pete Dunning from Wallasey took part in the event with soul singer Joss Stone at the Cenotaph.

Pete was on tour with the Royal Marines when he was injured by an explosion in May 2008 and lost both his legs. After months of painful rehabilitation he was fitted with prosthetic legs.

All of the Dunning family are involved in work for The Royal British Legion and have raised thousands of pounds on the Wirral for the Armed Forces.

In the year that marks 100 years since the birth of the poppy as a symbol of Remembrance and hope, The Royal British Legion is encouraging the nation to support the Poppy Appeal for the memory of the fallen and the future of the living.

On being asked to take part in the vigil, father-of-two Pete said: "I'm honoured to be a part of this historic event.

"The RBL is the nation's custodian of remembrance and this is a great way for anyone, whether they have served or not, to remember a loved one and celebrate our armed forces.

"The support that the Legion has offered me since my accident has been great.

"They are helping me to live my life as best I can by making my day-to-day living easier."

Gillian McKinnon, area manager for the Royal British Legion in Merseyside and Cheshire, said: "As we mark the Centenary of the First World War, it’s as important as ever to wear a poppy and remember the sacrifices and commitment made by our Armed Forces both then and now.

"The message behind this year’s Poppy Appeal is Live On – to the memory of the fallen and future of the living, which captures perfectly why it’s so important to donate to the Appeal and wear a poppy.

"Every donation received will make a real difference to the lives of Service men and women, veterans and their loved ones."

The Royal British Legion Director of Fundraising Charles Byrne, said: “The Poppy Appeal 2014 embraces the dual role of The Royal British Legion as the custodians of Remembrance and provider of welfare support to the Armed Forces community.

"The poppy is a powerful symbol which is worn to commemorate all those who have fought and died in our Armed Forces and show support for those still serving today and their loved ones.

“We’re encouraging people to dig deep for this year’s Poppy Appeal to help us raise £40 million, so we can continue providing our vital support to individuals whether they’re still serving, transitioning back to civilian life or have left the Services, and importantly their families too.”

Pop star Joss Stone pledged her support for this year's Poppy appeal by joining soldiers at a special vigil marking the start of the Royal British Legion's annual fundraising campaign.

The watch was inspired by images of the repatriation of the Unknown Soldier in 1920, when guards kept a vigil at the coffin as a mark of respect.

Speaking at the start of her shift at the Cenotaph, Stone, 27, said: "There isn't one war that is more horrific than another. These men are incredibly brave and a lot of them have laid down their lives so that we can live in a peaceful environment.

"It's important for younger people to realise this because we haven't seen it (war).

"I'm a couple years off of 30 and I've never seen war. Hopefully, my children will never see war in our homes.

"The important thing - is it to remember or is it to be educated by it?"

The Super Duper Love singer was one of several supporters, including military personnel, to take turns on shift in the sunrise-to-sunset event.

It comes in the centenary year of the outbreak of the First World War.

The soul star has teamed up with guitarist Jeff Beck to record this year's official charity single, No Man's Land (Green Fields of France).

Stone, who was clutching a photo of her great-great-grandfather Private Alfred Ernest Stenning during her solemn stint at the memorial, said: "After singing the song No Man's Land, everything that I thought got bigger and bigger.

"The lyrics in it, the song speaks of 'do you have a wife, or a sweetheart?' That really got me. It brings it closer to home."

It is estimated that around 45 million poppies will be distributed by the Royal British Legion (RBL) and its supporters as part of this year's campaign.

Video courtsey of Press Association.