ORGANISERS of this year's Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal in Darlington have thanked volunteers for helping to raise £31,047.

The figure accumulated in the town and surrounding areas beat last year's total by almost £4,000.

Darlington appeal organiser Lillian Wiegold said: "I would like to thank the Mayor, Councillor Dot Long, the ex-service organisations and volunteers and businesses for helping to make this appeal such a marvellous success.

"It was because of the generosity and kindness of the people of Darlington that we were able to raise this magnificent amount of money."

The cash will go directly to help those serving in the armed forces, ex-service people and their families