THE Poppy Appeal would not be possible without the thousands of volunteers.

And, in Comet country where many people selflessly give up their time to the cause, some of those have gone above and beyond.

One of those is Charmaine Rogers, who has been involved in the appeal for 42 years.

The Clifton resident goes from door-to-door in the Oakfield estate in Hitchin, and started doing so as a pupil at Hitchin Girls’ School.

She also more recently started delivering poppies in her village.

“I can hardly believe that for so many years, I have been looking forward to seeing so many smiling faces,” she said.

“It has been a real privilege to play a small part in supporting the Royal British Legion and all the brave soldiers who have so valiantly served and are serving our country so well.

“My late father was a poppy collector also and supported the legion right up until he died, as he also passionately believed we should never forget our heroes who gave their lives so that there may be peace in the world.”

Letchworth GC resident George Miller served in the Royal Regiment of Artillery during World War II and now collects for the appeal at The Parade shops on the Grange Estate.

Mr Miller, 89, joined the Royal British Legion in the late 1970s and after collecting door-to-door, has been stationed at The Parade for the last 19 years – despite having a stroke three years ago.

“I got to know the owner of what was then Kwik Save on the Grange and started collecting there in 1993,” said Mr Miller, who is also the president of the legion’s Letchworth GC branch.

“One woman came up to me this year and said ‘so you’re still here’. I hope to do next year down on the Grange too as it will be the 20th year and my 90th. I want to hang on until then.”

Daughter Jackie Miller added: “He’s been out collecting every year apart from the year he had a stroke as he was in hospital so wasn’t able to. He’s just so determined to do it, he’s an inspiration.”