Keighley Royal British Legion has praised townspeople following a hugely successful Poppy Appeal.

The annual fundraiser collected £34,334 – more than £1,000 up on last year’s total.

Organiser, Tommy Thompson, said: “Well done Keighley! We have a most generous population in our town.”

A total of 250 collection boxes were distributed to schools and businesses throughout the area.

And veterans and army, air and sea cadets helped sell poppies on the town’s streets in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Sunday.

Mr Thompson said the backing from the community had been overwhelming, and he thanked everyone involved.

“Thanks go to all the volunteers who supported the appeal,” he said.

“Tribute also goes to Keighley Town Council for its support, Keighley Shared Church and East Morton Church for their kind donations, Wilds for supplying sausage rolls for the cadets and Sainsbury’s, which supplied drinks – all free of charge.”

He also makes special mention of Amanda Whiteoak, who made glitter poppies, and David Petyt, who donated more than £200 from a collection at his mother’s funeral.

A presentation evening to thank the cadets will be held at Keighley’s Drill Hall at 7pm on Tuesday, while veterans and helpers will celebrate with a Christmas party at 7.30pm on December 18 at the New Variety Club, in Russell Street, Keighley.

Tickets are £5. Call 07882 458849.