A husband and wife team of ardent fundraisers are stepping down after four years and almost �60,000 raised as Poppy Appeal organisers.

Sue and Chris Pink have been told they will be a ‘tough act to follow’ when they leave the role at Sidmouth Royal British Legion’s annual meeting.

They leave behind almost �60,000 of collections and promotions in their four years at the helm.

They both served in the Royal Navy and their passion for helping veterans made them the obvious choice for the appeal, but now Sue feels it’s someone else’s turn.

“I’m bowing out,” she said.

“I would like to thank all the shops, hotels, club, pubs, nursing homes, schools, all my collectors, counters, both cadet forces – they all gave their time so generously.”

After the collections in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday, the interim total stands at �12,718.05, taking the total for the last four years to �57,366.60.

Money is still coming in in drips and drabs, and there will be one final bucket collection at the Radway Cinema at tonight’s (Friday) showing of Private Peaceful.

Last year’s total exceeded �16,000, a record that will be difficult to beat.

Sidmouth RBL president Kim Smith said: “Chris and Sue devoted an enormous amount of time to collecting.

“I’m really concerned about replacing them.”

He added: “Not to have a Poppy Day would be unthinkable for a town like Sidmouth – there’s so much talent here.”

Kim said the job would suit another two recently- retired people, not necessarily a couple or members of the RBL, but anyone who would be willing to lend a large amount of time to fundraising and organising. Call Sue on 01395 515495 for further information.