BURNHAM’S Poppy Appeal has raised a record £28,000 – despite the main organiser breaking her shoulder two days before the collection started.

Residents have given generously in a year which marks the centenary of the First World War.

It also comes just after the town British Legion was forced to fold for a few weeks due to dwindling support from the former committee.

However, since then it has been revived with new members which has helped inject new life into the organisation and seems to have spurred on donations for this year’s Poppy Appeal.

Last year £24,000 was raised.

Collectors manned more than 400 two-hour slots in supermarkets in the run-up to November 11 and there were also collection boxes sent to shops, schools and homes throughout Burnham, Berrow, Brean and Highbridge.

Knitters came up with a woolly take on the traditional poppy, which were a familiar sight on sale for £3.

Poppy Appeal organiser Gaynor Brown said: “We have been overwhelmed with the support for this year’s appeal and especially pleased with individual members who have notched up record totals.

“We are very grateful for the efforts of staff that have really pushed hard this year.

“I couldn’t do as much as usual as I broke my shoulder on Burnham beach trying to fly a kite just before the collection started.

“There seems to have been renewed interest in the appeal this year and schools have been holding events as part of the curriculum which has helped fuel some interest.”

Top collectors were Val Flack with £900 and Jane Fisher who brought in over £700.