THE Tadcaster branch of the Royal British Legion is celebrating after collecting nearly £5,000 in this year's Poppy Appeal.

A total of £4,710 was collected in the Tadcaster area despite fears earlier this year that the branch might have to close due to a lack of members.

The branch president, Allan Brown, and the branch committee said they wanted to thank everyone in the Tadcaster district for their generosity.

They also expressed their gratitude to all the shops and businesses that assisted with the Poppy Appeal, in particular Lambert Engineering and Safeway supermarket.

Coun Jean Ashton will be organising the Poppy Appeal for next year. Any volunteers who wish to help should phone her on 01937 832279.

Updated: 11:25 Thursday, December 19, 2002