POPPY Appeal organisers are celebrating after a record breaking year.

Last November's remembrance collection raised a staggering £33,012 thanks to the generosity of residents throughout the borough.

This week retired Lieutenant Colonel Eric Davidson was presented with a certificate of appreciation by the Mayor of Bury on behalf of the Royal British Legion to mark his 20 years as Poppy Appeal organiser for Bury.

During that time, Lt Col Davidson has helped raised a total of £363,350.

Certificates of appreciation were also presented to a host of organisations and individuals for their part in last year's collection.

Youngsters from the borough's three military cadet organisations received shields as a token for their individual collections.

Christopher Hurst, from the Army Cadet Force, collected £129; Ethan Spivey, of the Air Training Corps, raised £112; and Sea Cadet Craig Rowe sold £46 worth of poppies.