POPPY Appeal collectors were thanked by the Royal British Legion yesterday for their efforts raising thousands of pounds for last year’s appeal.

Friends, volunteers and poppy sellers gathered at the Legion’s Regent Street pop-in for a special ceremony honouring their dedication to supporting the appeal.

The most recent appeal raised a staggering £104,000 for the Legion which is their most successful year yet.

Chief poppy appeal organiser April Porter from the Swindon branch of the Royal British Legion said: “This is about showing our appreciation and just how grateful we are to these volunteers who every year give up their time tirelessly to help those in need.”

One pillar of the community was former Parachute Regiment corporal and volunteer George Platt who received two ceremonial bars for an incredible 55 and 60 years working with the Poppy Appeal. He is now in his 62nd year of service

The 79-year-old from Penhill said: “More and more people get involved with the appeal each year. It is so important to donate and I feel very proud to have been involved with it for as long as I have. It’s an honour to raise money for them and I enjoy getting out and about meeting new people.”

Proving you’re never too young to get involved, April’s 11-year-old granddaughter Nicole Fillon-Payoux is also set to get her five-year-service bar next year.

“I like getting out and about and meeting new people,” said Nicole

Commemorative certificates were also awarded to TS Resolution Swindon Sea Cadets, 1244 Squadron Air Training Corps and the Army Cadet Force.

Doreen Cooper from Bishopstone and Joan Kent from Wanborough, both 75, were two more volunteers who were honoured for five and 10 years respectively.

Joan said: “I like doing things for other people and I feel good that I am doing as much as I can to help people who defend our country. I think it’s marvellous to get getting this certificate, I feel really proud of everyone involved.

Doreen said: “I think it’s a good cause. I got involved because nobody else wanted to do it which is such a shame because you really do see the best of people when you get involved. I feel really proud to be getting this bar and certificate.

In total the volunteers have devoted an incredible 130 years to volunteering.

Korea war veteran Ernest Quince of Kingshill Road was also honoured along with chairman of the Swindon branch of the Royal British Legion Graham Jackson,

The Pop-In Information and Advice centre of the Royal British Legion provides services to service personnel and veterans and provide a forum for the public to learn more about the charity and the services they provide

For information visit www.britishlegion.org.uk