POPPY Appeal supporters in Ellesmere have smashed another record after raising nearly £14,500 over the past year.

The amount collected by the local branch of the Royal British Legion is up more than £2,500 on the previous 12 months and more than double the total five years ago.

Lynn Howard, appeal organiser, was overjoyed at the support given by people in the town.

“I’m totally overwhelmed by the response we’ve had from the people of Ellesmere and the surrounding area,” she said.

“The generosity of this community never ceases to amaze me and I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed.”

Donations in Ellesmere have helped to push the Shropshire Poppy Appeal total to an amazing £731,584 over the last 12 months.

Ellesmere Legion branch president Bob McBride congratulated Lynn for her efforts and presented her with an official certificate of appreciation.

“She’s done a fantastic job since she took over as our appeal organiser three years ago,” said Bob.

“She puts in so much hard work organising the collection boxes, liaising with local schools, shops and businesses, encouraging our small team of volunteers who make house-to-house collections and coming up with new ideas for fund-raising events and activities.”

And Legion branch chairman Ian Williams added: “The Remembrance poppy has been used since 1921 to commemorate military personnel who have sacrificed their lives in many conflicts since World War I.

“We rely solely on the public’s generosity in supporting the Poppy Appeal to generate the funds we so desperately need to continue providing help for servicemen and women, veterans and their families at times of need or crisis.”