Gainsborough poppy appeal raises bumper £32,000 for Royal British Legion

The annual appeal, which ran between October 28 and November 11, amassed a grand total of £32,049 - an increase of £3,810 on the amount it raised in 2016.

Frank Charlton, Chairman of the Gainsborough & District Branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “This is a fantastic result for the Gainsborough Poppy Appeal, which helps the Royal British Legion to sustain the facilities for the rehabilitation, training, employment, welfare and benevolence which it has created for the benefit of all ex-service people, widows and families who depend wholly on such contributions.

“RBL fundraising depends entirely on the voluntary contributions made by local people and organisations and allows us to give aid and comfort to those in need.

“I am quite sure that, could those assisted know directly of the outstanding contributions made by the people of Gainsborough and district, they would wish to be associated with this expression of our deepest gratitude for the contributions made.”

Throughout this year’s appeal, fundraising stands were deployed by the branch in four of the area’s major supermarkets and manned by legion members and poppy appeal helpers.

The Morrisons stand raised the largest amount of £7,372, while the stalls in Tesco, Wilko and Aldi collected £6,606, £4,791 and £3,661 respectively.

A total of 103 poppy boxes were distributed around local pubs, clubs, shops and businesses which brought in £3,337, while the army and air training corps cadets raised £1,497.

Other sources of income included the donation of a church collection, and a pub quiz held at the Rose and Crown in Upton.

Mr Charlton added: “On behalf of the Gainsborough and District Branch of the Royal British Legion, thank you all very much indeed.”