Volunteers in Haslemere are fired up to break fundraising records for this year’s Poppy Appeal, after raising £41,570 in 2023. Last year’s effort crowned Haslemere the top fundraiser for the Royal British Legion (RBL) in the South East, and they’re aiming even higher this time.

Poppy Appeal organiser Mike Clarke said: "We’re very grateful to all of the volunteers, all 250 of them, who spend their time raising money for veterans and serving soldiers. We should never forget we’re here because soldiers gave their lives for us.”

Cllr Jacquie Keen added: "The people of Haslemere are always so generous. We have such a great group of volunteers who are out come rain or shine. Everyone has their own reason for collecting, they might have had a parent who fought in the war, but everyone in Haslemere is always ready to help out.”

The Haslemere, Grayswood, and Chiddingfold Poppy Appeal kicks off on October 25, with collections at Haslemere station, Tesco, Waitrose, and Marks & Spencer.