POPPY Appeal organisers in Amblecote have celebrated raising nearly £8,000 this time round.

Collections in the neighbourhood totalled £7,900 – and further funds are still expected.

Amblecote Poppy Appeal organiser Alan Horton thanked all those who donated to and helped with this year’s appeal – including Holy Trinity Scouts, staff from Sainsbury’s Amblecote, councillor Christine Perks and the Royal British Legion Riders Branch.

Midlands community fundraising manager for the Royal British Legion, Peter Whalley, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have had such a successful year for the Poppy Appeal in Amblecote and this result is clearly reflected across the Midlands.

"On behalf of the armed forces community I’d like to give a huge thank you to every volunteer who helped us collect this money, everyone who donated, and every person who wore their poppy with pride.”

Money raised will be used by The Royal British Legion to help serving and ex-servicemen and women and their families.

Meanwhile Stourbridge Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal was also strongly supported this time round .

Volunteer collectors coined in £26,500 - with donations exceeding last year's total by £5,500.

Dora Stevens, vice-chairman, said: "People are always very generous."

Amblecote’s team of Poppy Appeal volunteers are seeking extra help for the future. Anyone interested in helping out can contact local organiser Alan Horton on 07970 212314 or community fundraiser Alison Bates on 01889 575496 or email abates@britishlegion.org.uk