The Poppy Appeal organisers for Bude and Stratton Royal British Legion, Jean Riding and her husband Mike, have successfully calculated the income from this year's Poppy Appeal.

As previously reported, 2007 was a record year and the RBL were not expecting to equal it in 2008. Godfrey Harrison, Hon Secretary for Bude and Stratton RBL said: "The financial climate was decidedly against us but we should have had more faith in the generous people within our area."

The total for 2008 was a staggering £10,647.03. This exceeded last year's total by more than £1,700.

The President and Bude and Stratton RBL committee have commended Jean and Mike for their sterling work. The committee have asked Jean and Mike to give the collectors, shops and businesses that helped achieve this result, their very warmest thanks.

Mr Harrison added: "We must remember that it is not only in Bude and Stratton that the collection takes place but also all the outlying parishes as well.

"Once again, thank you and well done."