THE Poppy Appeal for 2017/18 is up to a mammoth total of £38,000 in Northwich, and there is still time to help out.

The appeal runs from October 2017 to the end of September 2018, with the focus on a two-week street collection in November.

Members of the Royal British Legion Northwich branch are eyeing up an even bigger total, with the organiser paying tribute to those who have given their time.

Terry Gamble said: “As the Poppy Appeal organiser for Northwich I cannot thank the people fo Northwich and the surrounding areas enough for their tremendous support and all their generous donations for this year’s appeal.

“There is so much work that goes into preparing for the Poppy Appeal beforehand and after the two weeks when we are actually out on the streets collecting.

“A special mention must go to Cyril Lewis, Frank Hurdsfield, Vicki Doogan and all members of the RBL who put in a tremendous amoung of f work to achieve the amount.

“There have been more volunteers this year to collect in supermarkets and on the streets than we have ever had, but we are always looking for more.”

This year’s effort also saw renewed assistance from the army cadets and air cadets of 146Squadron, as well as businesses large and small across town and their customers.

The total is a reflection on the approaching centenary of the end of the First World War, this November.

In August, the Northwich branch will be sending wreathlayer Marshall Hunter and standard-bearer Samantha Smith to take part in the Menin Gate ceremony in Belgium on August 8.

The occasion is a re-enactment of the Great Pilgramage carried out by veterans and families in 1928.

Junior schools in Northwich have been asked to help celebrate the occasion by writing a poem to be placed with the town’s wreaths.

Victoria Road Primary School are already involved, and all are invited to help represent the town in Belgium.

You can contact Terry on 07707606031