THE Royal British Legion have returned to the Tesco on Ocotal Way to raise more money for the Poppy Appeal.

The supermarket has been working with former and active army personnel who volunteer for the local branch of the charity, who have raised £126,000 since starting their annual collection 10 years ago.

On Saturday, there will be a two-minute silence at 11am and the Last Post will be played, with members of the Legion in full uniform outside the shop to pay their respects.

Andy Sleep is part of the Royal British Legion Riders Branch and organises the Remembrance Day collection.

He was effusive with praise for the support Tesco and its generous customers have given the Appeal over the years.

Andy said: "It's our biggest fundraising event of the year by far and none of it would be possible without the massive support from members of the management team at Tesco's, everyone who's donated, and our team.

"We've done unbelievably well, we see the same people showing their faces every year to help us raise as much as possible.

Andy's wife Dawn has knitted dozens of handmade red poppies to sell along with the usual paper ones and other merchandise.

Andy added: "They've gone down a storm, it's something different and we've raised £8,000 from the knitted poppies alone since Dawn started making them six years ago.

"At least 15 people from the RBL help out in their own time, they're fantastic.

"We will continue to do this as long as Tesco will back us."

Michelle Hobbs, Tesco's community champion, said: "We like to see them come back here every year and it's amazing how much the Swindon community supports them.

"They've collected an immense amount and we're always happy to get behind them and give them tea, coffee and muffins to make sure they're looked after."

The RBL will be collecting and selling poppies until 6pm on Saturday.