A WORCESTER branch of the Royal British Legion has raised a record-breaking £12,212.

Every November, volunteers from the St John's and Hallow branch of the RBL give up time and energy for the annual poppy appeal. Proving that hard work pays off is the news that, since May 2007, they have reached more than £12,000 - a record amount.

Anne Pratt, poppy appeal organiser for the branch since 2003, is delighted.

"I just want to thank everyone who helps out as well as everyone who donates," she said. "It's wonderful."

The branch has also presented Hallow CE Primary School with an award for its poppy appeal efforts.

"It is the first time we've given a school award in the St John's area and we wanted to say thank you," said Mrs Pratt.

Simon Stubbs, headteacher of the school in Main Road, Hallow, said it was lovely to receive recognition.

"It's a nice way to start the new year," he said.

"We didn't do anything out of the ordinary. We just had year 6 pupils selling poppies for a couple of weeks and during the week of Remembrance all of our assemblies were geared towards the event. We also encouraged the children to wear their poppies."