Following on from the praise already bestowed on them by the Coventry Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association and the Nuneaton & Stockingford Branch of the Royal British Legion for their outstanding fund raising work in support of the Ex-Service community, Air Cadets from Nuneaton and Bedworth were once again being honoured for their efforts.

Cadets and Staff from 121 ( Nuneaton ) Squadron Air Training Corps joined representatives from twenty two other Cadet units from across the Coventry and Warwickshire area for a Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal presentation evening at the Bedworth Ex-Servicemen's Club on Wednesday, March 18 th .

The Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire Martin Dunne thanked the youngsters for raising £31,562.21 for the 2008 Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal an increase of £3,000 on the previous year's total. The Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth, Councillor Gerald Smith also praised the cadets for their efforts and went on to thank the public for giving so generously to such a worthy cause.

Alan Mallett, county manager for the Royal British Legion, said, “The poppy is the nation's emblem of remembrance and the legion relies on the members of the cadet forces to help with the collection and their help is greatly appreciated.”

He went on to say, “There are nearly 10.5 million people in the UK who could turn to the legion for help and the 2008 Poppy Appeal raised a record £30.3 million. Warwickshire chipped in with £690131 up 35 per cent on 2007”

Since 1999 Air, Army and Sea Cadets and more recently Fire Service cadets from across the county have had their Poppy Appeal collection efforts officially recognized by the Warwickshire County Royal British Legion who issue awards to participating units and individuals.

The Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire Martin Dunne presented Cdt Bate of 121 ( Nuneaton ) Squadron with a Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal Certificate in recognition of the squadrons contribution of over £1200 to the 2008 Poppy Appeal collection.

The highlight of the presentations came when Leamington Army Cadet Force received the county competition award for the highest overall cadet unit collection with their staggering contribution of £6,366.17 with 8F (1st City of Coventry) Squadron Air Training Corps receiving the runners up trophy for their collection of £5,057.73

The Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire Martin Dunne said "We are indebted to these young men and women, and their leaders for their outstanding efforts towards the Poppy Appeal collections. 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."

More photographs from the Poppy Appeal Presentations