Poppy appeal collectors excel

AWARD winner . . . . Cadet Sgt Christopher Hall with Mayor and Mayoress of Oldham, Councillor Jim McArdle and Councillor Kay Knox

AIR, sea and army cadet groups in and around Oldham collected more than £14,000 for the 2009 Royal British Legion poppy appeal.

Oldham sea cadets collected £8,498, and received the top cadet corps award. Royton air cadets collected £3,762, and their combined efforts were applauded at an event at Belle Vue Territorial Army Centre.

Civic leaders from across the county were invited to the event to recognise the sterling work carried out by the young people.

Cadets received certificates and trophies from the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Warren Smith, for their part in the annual poppy appeal competition.

Instructor Cadet Sgt Christopher Hall from 2200 (Oldham) Squadron Air Training Corps took the best individual air cadet award, for collecting £1,273.

And 855 (Royton) Squadron got the award for the most improved total collected by an air cadet unit in 2009.

Able Cadet Jenny Lane from TS Onslow (Oldham), had the highest individual collection, raising £1,594.

Now in its 14th year, the competition for sea, army and air training cadets, once more realised a record collection by its 49 participating groups, of £112,505 — way above last year’s figure of £82,842.

The money is used by the Royal British Legion to support people who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces, and their dependants.