Mirfield British Legion’s record £19k poppy haul

The group raised more than £19,000 from individual donations from the people of Mirfield last year.

The majority was collected from the poppy appeal around the town’s unprecedented show of support on Remembrance Day last November, in which 5,000 people turned out.

Organiser of the parade Tim Wood has confirmed the total raised has now been counted and almost tops £20,000.

“We have managed to raise more than £19,500,” he said. “That is about 40 percent up on our previous record in 2013.”

Former Mayor of Mirfield and member of the British Legion Coun David Pinder said 2015 would hopefully be just as memorable.

“There is nothing set in stone yet,” he said. “But we are looking at commemorating the battle of Waterloo, as this year is its 200th anniversary.”