TRIBUTES have been paid to a couple who have raised £124,110 for the Royal British Legion.

Jim and Jean Hart, who have been married for 58 years, started with one tin and a box in the villages of Yearby and Dunsdale and now co-ordinate 150 tins across the area covered by the Guisborough branch of the charity.

Redcar and Cleveland Council’s Mayor Councillor Brian Briggs said: "I can't speak too highly of Jim and Jean. “Their dedication is simply wonderful. They are a real credit to the Borough."

Mr Hart left the Army after serving three years as a mechanic with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the early 1950s and became determined to back the Appeal, he believes the public's support has never wavered.

Mr Hart said: "I don't know whether I've been lucky. I started off with one tin and a poppy box and remember collecting maybe £20. “Last year, it was over £8,000."