THORNBURY has dug deep and ignored the recession to show its support for the men and women who have served in the armed forces.

Last year through donations and poppy sales the people of Thornbury helped to raise more than £12,000 for the Royal British Legion.

During the 2008/09 Poppy Appeal Thornbury raised £12,541, which is 12 percent more than the previous year.

Chris Aplin, community fundraiser for Gloucestershire, said: "This is a magnificent sum for Thornbury to have raised, especially in the current climate.

"To have increased by so much is incredible so a big thank you to Thornbury."

The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, which is held every autumn to coincide with Remembrance Day on November 11, is the organisation's main source of income to collect funds to support those who have served, or are currently serving in our Armed Forces.

Through welfare schemes the Royal British Legion is able to offer financial, social and emotional support to ex-servicemen and women and their dependants.

However, organisers are now calling on the people of Thornbury to step forward once again to form a new group of volunteers to help collect during this year’s Poppy Appeal.

Mrs Aplin said: "Many of the collectors in Thornbury are older people who are finding it hard to carry on.

"For many years they have supported their generation who have given so much to the service of our country. Now it is time for a new generation to step forward to take their place to support the young people on active service now, and their families, who will need our help far into the future."

Volunteer collectors can give anything from two hours of their time up to two weeks to help with collecting on streets, in shops and workplaces across the area.

As well as collectors, volunteers are also needed to help as local organisers or with distributing poppies, driving or counting donations.

This year’s Poppy Appeal will start in October. To find out more information or to volunteer call Mrs Aplin, community fundraiser for Gloucestershire, on 01684 773746 or 07919 881131 or email caplin@britishlegion.org.uk