ONCE MORE the people of Leominster and the surrounding area have responded generously in raising a record amount of over £8,800 for the annual Poppy Appeal.

This represents a 10% increase over last year.

My thanks to the collectors who spent their weekends at the local supermarkets; to the local shops and businesses who displayed Poppy boxes and donated prizes for the draw; to Jo Plante and her colleagues at Barclays Bank who counted the contents or around 150 collecting boxes; to the ATC who marshalled the parade; to the Priory Church and all those who took part in our Remembrance Sunday Service and parade.

Last but not least thanks go to the Royal British Legion branch committee members and the women's section members without whose help I could not have organised the two-week event.

FRANK LOW,

RBL chairman and Poppy Appeal Organiser,

Leominster