GENEROUS members of the public have helped to raise nearly £50,000 for the 2019/20 Poppy Appeal in Kingswinford.

Members of the Kingswinford branch of the Royal British Legion have collected a grand total of £49,170.30 for the annual fundraising appeal for the Armed Forces community.

Organisers say it has been a record year for the branch and they have thanked big-hearted members of the public for "their outstanding generosity".

Bob Townsend, Poppy Appeal organiser, paid tribute to those who had given their time and money to the cause and said: "We are very grateful to the many individuals from the branch, women’s section and Kingswinford RBL Club members who gave so generously of their time to make this year’s appeal such a success.

"Sincere thanks is also given to the local schools who continue to support this worthwhile cause, local businesses of Kingswinford, Wall Heath, Bromley and Pensnett that very kindly collect for us, churches, cadet forces, Scouts, Guides, Cubs, Brownies, Beavers and Rainbows are also thanked for their enthusiastic and generous support in making this amount for the Poppy Appeal.

"In addition we say thank you to Morrison’s supermarket, The Co-op, Aldi and the Lidl stores who allow us the use of their premises to sell poppies and collect money for the Poppy Appeal."

The branch will be holding its annual appreciation evening in June when awards will be presented to the volunteers who give their time to raise money for the appeal.