MORE than �40,000 was collected during this year’s Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal from people in Portishead, Pill and Clevedon.

The people of Portishead and Pill donated almost �20,000 to the appeal, with more than �10,000 raised by collectors at Waitrose, The Co-operative and Gordano Services, while another �1,050 was raised in local schools.

Organiser Sarah Long said: “We are delighted with the amount raised and are very grateful to all the collectors and distributors, as well as those who have donated their hard-earned money to this worthy cause.

“We would also like to thank Steve Fowler who allowed us to use his empty shop unit in the High Street. Not only did this make the logistics easier for the organisers, but also raised an additional �1,130.”

There will be a poppy collectors’ evening at 8pm on February 18 at Clarence House for all those who helped with this year’s collections. Anyone interested in helping with 2013 collections should also go along or contact Sarah on 01275 390970.

In Clevedon, the town’s Royal British Legion branch collected a whopping �21,160 for this year’s appeal.

Chairman Rob Campbell said: “This is a wonderful achievement by the band of people, many of whom are not legion members, who help with this admirable cause.”