STAFF at the Office for National Statistics in Newport have raised £1461.53 for the Royal British Legion.

The Poppy Shop was opened to staff at various points throughout October and November selling Royal British Legion merchandise to raise money.

On offer were a range of bracelets, reflective badges, wooden tributes, and a number of child friendly items, as well as a selection of traditional poppies and badges.

Organiser Tony Charles, member of staff at the ONS and a regular fundraiser, started the Poppy Shop last year, collecting over £1,200.

He said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people turn up to help raise money for such a worthwhile cause, and beating last year’s total was the icing on the cake.

"Every pound makes a difference to someone, and helps give something back to those who put their lives on the line. Hopefully next year we can make that total even bigger.

“With almost 2000 people working here at the Newport office, many have a connection with the men and women who serve in the armed forces, as we’ve seen with such a strong turnout at our past Remembrance Day ceremonies, so it's important that we come together as an organisation to remember them."

The money raised will go to the Newport and Gwent branch of the Royal British Legion, and will be used to help fund local projects.

Today, staff will also hold a service at the memorial at the Newport site - designed by organiser Mr Charles and unveiled last year - to honour Britain’s fallen servicemen and women.