A GROUP of ex-pats have given the Wootton Bassett poppy appeal fund a boost.

Local businessman Jeremy Taylor presented a cheque for £340 to Second World War veterain Ken Stott on behalf of ex-pats in Dubai.

Representatives of the Royal British Legion Wootton Bassett branch gathered at the town War Memorial this weekend to receive the generous donation.

Mr Taylor said that after visiting associates in Dubai last year he was asked to send them some poppies in time for Remembrance Day.

These were supplied by Mr Scott, in return for a £30 donation from Mr Taylor’s company, Wildman Construction.

The poppies were posted to Dubai in November, for a Remembrance ceremony organised by Stuart Thomas, a former Wootton Bassett resident, and other ex-Service personnel.

The service took place at 11am UK time on November 11 when Sky News was broadcasting live from the War Memorial, in Wootton Bassett High Street.

“There was a big demand for the poppies, and the last one available was auctioned,” said Mr Taylor.

He told legion members that he was surprised to be given the cheque for the appeal on recent visit to Dubai and he also returned home with a request for more poppies next autumn. Mr Scott, who accepted the cheque, said: “It’s a wonderful boost for the Poppy Appeal and we are very grateful to Jeremy for making this possible.

“It’s good to know there is this support from people overseas.”