GENEROUS people who donated to the Royal British Legion Sidmouth Branch’s Poppy Appeal campaign have been thanked for helping raise more than £11,000.

The man who co-ordinated the bid has also been singled out for praise – but asked not to be named to highlight the team effort that went into netting the sterling sum.

Dave O’Connor RBL Sidmouth Branch chairman said: “Special thanks must go to our organiser and his wife who, at short notice, volunteered to organise the appeal and allowed their home to be taken over by our Poppy Appeal.

“Between them they co-ordinated the whole military operation and worked virtually 24/7 on this cause.

“They both asked not to be named because they said they were only working as part of a team.”

Mr O’Connor also expressed his gratitude to poppy collectors including sellers who spent countless hours outside Waitrose, Lidl and The Co-operative.

He also thanked all three Sidmouth stores for giving their permission for volunteers to do so.

Collectors included 94-year-old veteran Kim Smith - who raised hundreds of pounds despite being on crutches.

A family carol service in aid of the cause will take place at All Saints Church at 10.45am next Friday, December 13, and will be led by the Reverend Robin Laird.

It will be followed by mince pies and tea or coffee.

“We were down on numbers last year, so we are hoping more people will come along to support us,” said Mr O’ Connor.

The Herald reported last week how RBL Sidbury and Sidford Branch Poppy Appeal organisers collected £6,207 in both villages and Newton Poppleford.