Branch's poppy appeal is a record breaker with almost £20,000 raised

William Dawber, branch chairman, said the support from the public has meant the 2018/19 appeal is already a record breaker with five months of fundraising still left to go.

"The total so far is £19,500 which is absolutely wonderful," William said.

"Our end of year is September 31 so I am hoping we will break the £21,000 mark. In the past the maximum the branch has raised is about £13,000 so this year has already broken records.

"We really appreciate that the people in our area donate so much money every year."

Mr Dawber also paid tribute to long-standing fundraisers Oxon Primary School, the local Co-op stores and Oxon Touring Park.

Each have contributed to the Ford and District Poppy Appeal for at least 25 years and have been presented with a certificate of thanks.

"When I took over as chairman recently I saw that the school, the three local Co-op stores and the touring park had all done 25 years' service," Mr Dawber added.

"I think it's important to say thank you to these people because at the end of the day, the money raised is absolutely vital.

"It helps veterans who are homeless, injured or those with mental health issues. It's imperative that we continue the Poppy Appeal."