Poppy appeal is a record breaker, banking £38,500

The 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War helped the local poppy appeal collect its highest ever total.

Stuart Hume, chairman of the Sudbury branch of the Royal British Legion, said he was delighted to announce that collections in Sudbury and the surrounding villages had raised £38,500 – beating the previous record by £4,000.

“We are over the moon that a town like Sudbury can achieve such a vast amount of money,” he said. “It’s a credit to the town for being so generous.”

Mr Hume said events, such as the Lights Out candle vigils held in remembrance of the conflict, had raised awareness.

He said he hoped this would continue in future years.

“It’s all down to how we can keep people interested,” he added.