FUNDRAISERS from the Ringwood and District branch of the Royal British Legion have thanked all who donated during the recent poppy appeal.

More than £26,900 was raised in the weeks preceding Remembrance Sunday.

While recognised as the UK’s leading Armed Forces charity, it is the support of the general public and companies that provide the funding for all the legion’s work.

Branch Poppy Appeal co-ordinator Val Aldridge said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who gave so generously in helping us reach this total. We would also like to thank all the businesses and organisations in the area that back the Poppy Appeal.”

The appeal was launched on Saturday, October 29 at Ringwood Gateway and £2,255 was raised on the day, with £864 received from the Army.

Throughout the appeal poppy sellers across the town raised £5,984 while the legion gazebo at the Furlong and the market saw £3,118 raised.

Mrs Aldridge added: “There were a lot of people involved, and we certainly could not have achieved such an astounding result without our team of volunteers. It did rain, and it was windy, which challenged us with the gazebo, but the public response was truly amazing.

“Thank you so much to you all, it is really appreciated.”