Organisers of this year’s Poppy Appeal in Spalding are celebrating after raising more than £20,000.
They report that many areas equalled or even surpassed last year’s amounts.
So far £21,500 has come in, which goes someway to meeting the Royal British Legion’s national goal this year of £43m.
Honorary Poppy Appeal organiser Peter Lyon said: “I am very pleased to say that the annual call for collectors culminated in more fresh blood to assist in this mammoth collection task.
“I’m also pleased to say that by all accounts they thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Please remember this when the call goes out next year.”
Largest contributors were Sainsbury’s with £6,098.68 and £2,562.68 at Baytree, where Robin Hancox of TFL also raised £50 with the sale of reindeer carrots.
Mr Lyon added: “The other £13,000 was raised by wreath sales, poppy merchandise and at pubs, clubs, shops and workplaces where donations have ranged from £20 notes to one little girl’s pocket money of 15p (and she was so proud to put it in the collection tin it really made my whole campaign worthwhile).
“I also need to highlight the efforts put in by our fantastic distribution teams from Bakkavor, who managed to deliver over 400 poppy boxes and attendant cans in a little over ten hours.”
He said the collectors also deserve a special mention for their dedication in collecting during the miserable weather .
“Thank you Spalding, Weston, Weston Hills, Moulton Chapel, Pode Hole and everyone who so loyally supports this worthy and honourable cause in showing our armed forces that we care about their welfare and appreciate their sacrifices on our behalf.”