Poppy Appeal organisers are celebrating after raising a record amount to help those who have fought for their country.

Since October, the Royal British Legion in Borehamwood has raised £27,181.86 for servicemen and women and their families.

Last year, the appeal collected £29,338 in the entire year and, with just under £2,000 to raise to meet that target, local co-ordinator Carol Denbigh is confident this year will yield a record-breaking amount.

She said: “I’m very grateful to everyone in Borehamwood who has dug in their pockets to give money to the appeal, especially during these difficult times.

“I would also like to thank the shops such as Tesco and Morrisons for allowing us to collect money in their stores, and for the support they have shown.”

The total would have been higher, but for two teenagers who stole Poppy Appeal boxes from Ibis Hotel, Gala Bingo and The Venue in November.

Elisha Lindsay, 19, received seven months in prison and Shane Fredrick Keane, 19, was ordered to carry out a community sentence for the thefts.

Mrs Denbigh said: “We think around £300 was taken from these boxes.

“I cannot understand why these young people thought they were more in need of the money than the soldiers and their families we support. But they have been brought to justice.”