Cadet units from across the Warwickshire area were honoured for their outstanding efforts inraising funds for the 2002 Poppy Appeal.

Members of 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron Air Training Corps received an award, together with 12 other cadet units from Warwickshire representing the army, air force, navy and Fire Service Cadets, who participated in last year's Poppy Appeal collection.

Cadet Farr from 121 Sqn who had already received an award for his efforts from the Nuneaton & Stockingford branch of the Royal British Legion, also received a third place trophy in the countywide competition for the Air cadet who raised the largest individual amount for the appeal.

The Ex-Servicemen's Club, Rye Piece Ringway in Bedworth, hosted the event, which took place on Thursday 27 March, when guest of honour, the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, Mr Martin Dunne, presented the awards.

Alan Mallett, who is field officer for the Royal British Legion, said the cadet involvement with the Poppy Appeal had been a great success. "We started this initiative with the cadet units in 1999 when only £3,290 was raised, this year's total is £8,208, a magnificent increase of £5,000. "We are indebted to these young men and women and thier units, most of which are affiliated to their local legion branches and I hope this yearly initiative can continue to raise the money we so desperately need each year to support the welfare of the ex-service community."

Units from Nuneaton, Bedworth, Polesworth, Coventry, Leamington Spa, Alcester and Southam all received awards, the highest individual unit award being won by 1200 Sqn ATC from Polesworth with a collection of £2,263.