Predictions that this year's Gwent Poppy Appeal will raise more than last year are coming true

Two branches have finalised counting the money, and both of them have raised more than they did last year.

One of the branches, Marshfield and District, has raised more than £26,000, subject to confirmation - which is more than double what they raised last year.

Last year, they raised £11,489.

Terry Young, poppy appeal organiser for Marshfield and District, said: "We can’t believe how much we've raised, the public has been very generous this year.

"We’re quite a small branch with 20 members, but every single member has contributed to the collection.

"Amongst others, we had a cadet day on October 29 at Friars Walk, in which we raised more than £2,000 in one day.

"In an hour, Marshfield Scout group raised more than £350 in another collection.

"We sincerely hope that other branches in Gwent have been as successful."

Rogerstone and Highcross is the other branch which has finished counting the money. This year, it has raised around £12,483.

Last year, they raised £10,560.

Russell Newton, poppy appeal organiser for High Cross and Rogerstone, said: "People’s generous donations and our hard work has made a difference.

"We’d like to say thanks to St Joseph’s High School, Rogerstone Primary, High Cross Primary, Mount Pleasant Primary and First Rogerstone Scouts."

Last month, Gwent Poppy Appeal co-ordinator Mike Jones said he was feeling confident about this year’s fundraising efforts after Spytty Tesco raised twice as much as last year.

In total, they raised £11,235 in the Tesco.

Mr Jones said: “I’d like to say thank to all the volunteers and those have donated for recognising that he Poppy Appeal is a worthy cause.”

Anyone interested in supporting the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal should contact Mike Jones on 07875089933 or email him at mike.legion@hotmail.com