A poppy appeal which has been under threat from continuing has been saved after a new home has been found following an appeal in the Comet.

Members of the Hitchin branch of the Royal British Legion had said that the annual appeal – which this year marks the centenary of the outbreak of World War I – would have to stop unless an alternative base to the Paynes Park Social Club is found.

Organisers have now been given one of the conference rooms at the Sun Hotel on Sun Street to work from.

Speaking to the Comet Hitchin Poppy Appeal organiser Mary Prowse said: The room is on ground level and central to the town so the appeal should go ahead fine, the room is smaller than we are used to but I am sure we will manage, I will just have to work some things different.

“Also we have been offered free storage space with a company on the industrial estate in Wilbury Way for our poppy stock and equipment.

I am so relieved everything looks fine for us to hold the appeal after all it has been a huge worry.

“On behalf of Hitchin Branch of the Royal British Legion I would like to thank the Comet for the support it has given us it has been much appreciated. And also thanks to the Priory Hotel for their help in finding us a room to work out of.”

The group had been using the building in Paynes Park to hold meetings and store stock but can no longer do so after the social club went into administration.

The Hitchin branch had been told by owners, the Royal British Legion, to look elsewhere after the electric was cut off, with plans for the building to be sold.