ANTIQUES Roadshow presenter Eric Knowles helped to kick-start North Staffordshire's Poppy Appeal by valuing more than 100 pieces of pottery, glass and antiques.

The items were taken by visitors to The Trentham Estate yesterday as part of a series of events to mark the start of this year's appeal.

Trentham director Mike Herbert said: "Trentham has provided a stunning backdrop and we hope people have dug up and unearthed some real valuable treasures."

Among the items discovered were a valuable china bowl from the 1800s, which had been sitting in the attic of 64-year-old Jean Hoggart, from Hanley, for 20 years.

It was the second time the visitor attraction has helped to launch the appeal, which this year also marks the 70th year since the start of the Second World War.

Other attractions at the launch included a display of military vehicles and music from the Black Watch Association Pipe and Drums.

Last year's appeal raised £330,000 in North Staffordshire and the Royal British Legion says it is confident people will give generously this time around.

In Leek, veterans gathered to pay tribute to those who died in action during desert campaigns.

Members of the Leek branch of the Royal British Legion met at the Nicholson War Memorial on Saturday to mark the 67th anniversary of the Battle of el Alamein.

A number of Leek men fell during battle.