The annual 'thank you' to volunteer collectors and businesses who have achieved long service for the Royal British Legion took place in the Wesley Chapel in Saundersfoot last Thursday evening.

Clr. Steve John, chairman of Saundersfoot Community Council, presented letters of thanks and certificates to the following:

Five years service for volunteer collectors - Mr. and Mrs. D. Anderson, of Begelly, and Mr. and Mrs. Price, of Pentlepoir.

Long service awards for businesses - 35 years to Mr. Paul Hancock on behalf of The Spar Shop in Saundersfoot.

A certificate and letter of thanks for 30 years service has been awarded to Evans News in Saundersfoot.

Jeff Pearson, the Saundersfoot and District hon. organiser of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, expressed his sincere thanks on behalf of the RBL to all 36 volunteer collectors and 40 local businesses he looks after.

In 2012, the total collected by house to house collections was £100 up on 2011 and the amount from static boxes at business premises was £200 up. After including payments for wreaths and the generous donations made by local churches and organisations, the total banked for the district was £5,107.

Mr. Pearson asked for new volunteers to help with the 2013 house to house collection. Anyone wishing to devote a few hours time to this very worthy cause should contact Jeff Pearson on (01834) 813388.

House to house collections for the 2012 Poppy Appeal were counted to the nearest pound as follows: Mr. D. Poole £120, Mrs. A. Baker £65, Mrs. R. Hayes £113, Mrs. H. Stephens £62, Mr. D. Lewis £180, Mrs. M. Lawrence £47, Mrs. T. Owen £66, Mrs. A. Parcell £94, Mrs. M. Harrison £41, Mrs. G. Butler £42, Mrs. P. Davies £41, Mrs. E. Plester £112, Mr. T. George £143, Mr. and Mrs. J. Pearson £154, Mrs. L. Price £70, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson £69, Mr. and Mrs. G. Cavell £108, Mrs. E. Hall £157, Mrs. Jenkins £71, Mrs. Hockenhull £67, Mr. A. Brinsden £215, Mrs. M. Brinsden £209, Mrs. Murphy £25, Mrs. R. Morgan £50, Mrs. S. Stone £33, Mrs. Cleevely £50, Mr. D. Havard £112, Mr. J. Griffiths £22, Mrs. S. Rees £88