A LONG term fundraiser from Spreyton raised a magnificent £785.62 for the 2011 Poppy Appeal.

Francis Gillard has been collecting for the appeal for the past 20 years in the Spreyton parish and surrounding area, and raised the money as part of the Bow collection for the Royal British Legion's appeal.

During his collection rounds, Francis fell and injured his hip, but he continued to raise money for as long as he could manage.

Francis said: 'The people in Spreyton and the other villages I visit always remember me and know I'm coming round, and they are always very generous,

'In hard times I've managed to raise around £200 more than the year before, which shows how generous people are around here.'

Francis expressed his thanks to everyone who donated to the appeal and supported his fundraising efforts.