A POPPY Day organiser has appealed for more help next year after losing two collecting boxes to thieves.

Bewdley branch of the Royal British Legion beat all expectations this year by collecting £4,352 from the public despite the stolen boxes, disruption from flooding and poor trading in the shops during bad weather.

Organiser Eric De Vit said the total was slightly down on last year but the amount was more than expected in the circumstances.

Condemning the "heartless" thieves who stole money badly needed for the welfare of elderly people, he said one of the problems was having to rely on boxes in shops because of lack of volunteers for street collections.

There were a dozen collectors this year but it was not enough to cover the work in the two weeks leading up to Poppy Day.

Anyone who would like to help the appeal can contact Mr De Vit on 01299 403540.