MADAM - On behalf of the Sidmouth Branch of the Royal British Legion, I would like to thank the residents of Sidmouth, once again, for their donations and support during the Poppy Appeal.

MADAM - On behalf of the Sidmouth Branch of the Royal British Legion, I would like to thank the residents of Sidmouth, once again, for their donations and support during the Poppy Appeal. This shows how much the Legion is respected in the town.

Every day there is a reminder of the work carried out by both our Servicemen and women under extreme conditions and fire in Afghanistan and other conflicts around the world and, of course, the sacrifice made by service personnel during the First and Second World Wars.

This is where the Royal British Legion gives support. The Legion currently spends more than �1 million a week in its work helping over 130,000 members of the Armed Forces, family dependants, veterans and the bereaved.

The 2009 Poppy Appeal has targeted support for the wounded and bereaved of Afghanistan.

Nationally, last year's Poppy Appeal received a record total of �31 million in donations. This year, we would hope to see this figure matched.

Finally, I would like to thank our Poppy Appeal organisers, Liz Langham and Sue and Chris Pink, and the many Poppy collectors who gave their time and support during this year's Poppy Appeal.

Semper Fidelis.

Dave O'Connor

(Chairman - Sidmouth Branch RBL)

Glenstal

40 Sid Park Road

Sidmouth