The total amount raised by this year’s Verwood Poppy Appeal has been announced at £12,035.94.

The appeal was launched on Thursday 26th October with the Mayor of Verwood and Three Legged Cross, Councillor Toni Coombs, receiving the first Poppy from Cadet Corporal Megan Buttolph 2515 Sqn Fordingbridge and Ringwood Air Cadets.

A team of dedicated volunteers collected donations at a stall in Morrisons and a number of businesses in Verwood had trays of Poppies and collecting tins. Local schools also got involved with trays of Poppies, wristbands and snap-bands.

Poppy Appeal Organiser for Verwood, Paul Buttolph said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to all of the volunteers that manned our stall, to Morrisons for hosting us, especially Jenny Cook and the cash office staff, to all the businesses, schools and organisations that collected donations and to the amazingly generous people of Verwood for donating.

“The money that was raised will make a massive difference to the lives of the Service Personnel and Veterans that are supported by Royal British Legion.

“This was my first year in the role and I am blown away by the support I have received and the amazing amount that we have raised.

“I would also like to thank Karl and Julie at The Swans for hosting us all after the Remembrance Service and the team that decorate Ferret Green every year.”