THE British Legion’s Poppy Appeal is £500 better off thanks to a backpackers’ hostel which is based in a former Legion club.

Mick Lewis. owner of the Greenman Backpackers in Chepstow, presented a cheque to the chairman of the town branch of the Legion, Ken Davis.

The presentation took place at the hostel in Beaufort Square which was formerly the British Legion club.

There will also be presentations of cheques of £500 to the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) and Macmillan Nurses.

Mr Lewis said: “We’ve raised £1,500 through memberships and so we decided to split it between three very worthwhile organisations.

“It’s appropriate that one of them was the British Legion as this used to the British Legion club.”

They are pictured in front of a photo collage inspired by World War One and created by Mr Lewis.

Mr Davis said: “We’re very grateful to Mick and the members of the Greenman – their donation will make a real difference to the Poppy Appeal.”