RECORDS amounts have been collected in Forest towns during this year's Poppy Appeal run by local Royal British Legion branches ... and the money's still coming in!

So far, this year's total for the whole of the Forest is just over £53,000, with Coleford so far posting a record amount of £8,300.

But the biggest among collected goes to Lydney with £15,850.

In most areas the amounts collected represent new records. To date:

Newnham £1,850

Drybrook £ 3,700

Newent £7,700

Cinderford £7,125

Ruardean, Mitcheldean, Longhope £ 7,250

St Briavels, Hewelsfield and Brockweir £1,250

Lydney £15,850

Coleford £8,300.

The Legion says in a statement: "We have all seen the images: the convoys through Wotton Bassett, the grief of the families, the courage of the injured, and because of your help we can continue to be the number one provider of welfare, comradeship, representation, and Remembrance for the Armed Forces community.

"The Poppy Appeal is only as successful as the efforts of many people, and our thanks go to each and every one of you who gave.

"The Legion stands shoulder to shoulder with all who serve now and in the future for as long as it takes. The past nine years of conflict have increased the need for our help both today and for years to come and with your generosity real help is being given where it is needed most.

"We can never forget older veterans, but our welfare services are increasingly focused on wounded personnel returning from current conflicts."