Volunteers who helped the Stevenage poppy appeal reach £100,000 in a milestone year have been recognised at a special ceremony.

The Comet: Members of the Royal British Legion's Stevenage branch and other organisations who played their part in the poppy appeal were recognised on the night.Members of the Royal British Legion's Stevenage branch and other organisations who played their part in the poppy appeal were recognised on the night. (Image: Archant)

The Royal British Legion’s Stevenage branch had set the six figure target when launching the appeal on October 25 and reached their goal before the year was out – coinciding with the centenary anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.

Members gathered at the Stevenage Club and Institute in High Street last week for their monthly meeting, where certificates were handed out in recognition of the achievement and badges for long service.

“We were determined to do it in the centenary year,” said Richard Mott, who organises the annual appeal with his wife Pat.

The Comet: Air cadet Anthony Shortland with his certificate presented by Stevenage poppy appeal organisers Pat and Richard Mott, and Herts poppy appeal community fundraiser Natasha Robertson.Air cadet Anthony Shortland with his certificate presented by Stevenage poppy appeal organisers Pat and Richard Mott, and Herts poppy appeal community fundraiser Natasha Robertson. (Image: Archant)

“We took on the appeal about six years ago when around £45,000 was being raised but we knew we could build that up.

“There are so many willing collectors at the branch and the community’s response has always been fantastic.”

Dee and Geoffrey Fisher were jointly awarded the Boysie Cup – an annual trophy handed out to recognise commitment to the cause – having been collecting at both Waitrose and Sainsbury’s Coreys Mill stores five days a week during the appeal for the past four years.

The Comet: The Crown at Aston End owner Claire Summers receives her certificate of thanks from Stevenage poppy appeal organisers Pat and Richard Mott, and Herts poppy appeal community fundraiser Natasha Robertson.The Crown at Aston End owner Claire Summers receives her certificate of thanks from Stevenage poppy appeal organisers Pat and Richard Mott, and Herts poppy appeal community fundraiser Natasha Robertson. (Image: Archant)

Fellow Waitrose collector Vivian Fraser was given a special bar for 40 years service at the branch.

The 77-year-old said: “My mum always did it up until she died so I wanted to carry it on.

“Everyone were very generous this year but you find people in Stevenage always are. The schoolchildren kept coming in and asking if they had enough money for a poppy.”

Anthony Shortland from the air cadets in Stevenage was also invited along to the evening having been the branch’s standard bearer for November’s remembrance services for two years running.

The 15-year-old, who is a student at the Da Vinci Studio School of Science and Engineering, said: “It was an amazing honour and I was so happy to be asked to do it.”

Money is still be collecting for the 2014 appeal through to September this year – for more information and to find out how to donate visit www.britishlegion.org.uk.