New record set by poppy donations
The figure is an increase of £3,682 on the previous year and county community fundraiser Hannah Robinson has praised the local branch and appeal organiser Peter Williams for their efforts.
She said: "When you consider that less than a year ago the branch was about to fold because more members were needed to fill the role of officers it is absolutely amazing."
The record amount follows news the Paulton branch of the Royal British Legion also recorded an increase.
The figures for the Midsomer and Radstock Branch of the Royal British Legion show that street collections raised £5,197 compared to £4,921.01 the previous year and house to house collections raised an incredible £6,774 more than £2,000 up on the previous year.
Church collections also showed increases with £234.05 collected at St John's Church, Peasedown St John, compared with £134.13 the previous year. The rest was made up by increased donations and collections at static points which went from £20 to £230.
Ms Robinson said: "It is fantastic, as a county we are up on last year's collections with a total of £815,000 so far and nationally we have hit £31 million which is again a record and when you think the Poppy Appeal started on October 1 and ends on September 31 this figure will go up even more.
"It is down to the hard work of Mr Williams and the volunteers who done a fantastic job of getting the boxes out and collecting and its also down to the public who have been so generous."
This year's Poppy Appeal message asked the public to remember service personnel in Afghanistan as well.
Ms Robinson said: "I think people are feeling the impact of Afghanistan and we have focussed very much on the armed forces out there and asked the public to be there for them now and for the rest of their lives. The message connected with everyone."
She added that the Royal British Legion wanted to thank all those who had given to the Poppy Appeal.
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