VILLAGERS in Doddington are staging their own mini version of the national ‘March for Honour’ to raise funds for The Royal British Legion’s 2010 Poppy Appeal.

Hundreds of people are expected to turn out on Saturday to walk one mile and donate �1 to the appeal.

Resident Paula knott came up with the idea after hearing about the national event being staged by teams from the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, the Army and Royal Marines. They will march a total of 250 miles - a mile for each member of the British forces who has lost their life in Afghanistan.

Having once served with the Royal Air Force along with her husband, Ian, the march is very close to her heart, and Mrs Knott will be endeavouring to complete the one mile despite suffering from the crippling condition Fibromyalgia.

Mrs Knott of Manor Estate, suggested the idea of a village march at a meeting of the Doddington branch of the Royal British Legion Women’s Section.

She said: “Obviously because a lot of our members are pensioners we couldn’t march very far and I didn’t want to exclude people. It had to be something for all age groups and I didn’t want people to have to ask for sponsorship.

“By doing it this way we are giving everyone the chance to show their support for the troops. We are hoping to get 250 people to walk the mile and they are of all ages and abilities.”

Donations have already been given by those who cannot take part in the event and other villagers will be completing a one mile walk while on holiday in Kenya and another while recovering from an operation in hospital.

Also on the march will be the couple’s two daughters Tamar, 14, and 11-year-old Tegan. The family have been helped by an organising team of Louise and Kimberly Youles. Elaine and Jack Emmett, and Vicki Mcdougall.

The mini march of honour will start at 10am from Manor Estate and finish at The George public house. Mrs Knott said: “Anyone who wants to take part should just turn up and pay their pound. I am hoping lots of people will turn out and support us.”