ORGANISERS have announced that the Lydney and district Poppy Appeal for 2014/15, which finished on September 30, has raised a colossal £18, 519, setting a new record for the local campaign.

A spokesperson told the Review: “This is a new record for Lydney and district, and is a marvellous effort by Stan Rudge, the Poppy Appeal organiser, and his hard working team.

“The new Poppy Appeal year starts from October 21, and our aim is to break the £20,000 mark for the first time.”

They added: “Due to circumstances beyond our control the poppy shop will not be at the old Post Office in Hilton Court, but due to the kindness of Mr Clive Bath, of Dean Properties, we have permission to use the vacant Sloppy Joe’s restaurant in Hill Street, Lydney, for this year’s appeal.”

The 2015/16 Poppy Appeal will have an official opening on Saturday, October 24 at what will be known as Melville Watts Poppy Shop, opposite the Indian Summer in Hill Street, Lydney, starting at 10am.