They are hoping to top the record amount raised locally last year and the £30 million donated across Great Britain by the end of Remembrance Day on Tuesday.

Money from the Poppy Appeal goes to help both former and current servicemen like Bob Windle, of Welburn, who served as a Lieutenant in the R.A.F, and is now being cared for at Lister House, a legion-ran care home in Ripon.

“All the The British Legion branches across the country help both ex and serving servicemen,” said Shaun Brosnan, vice chairman of the Malton, Norton and District branch. “And it has been good to see one of our towns people benefit from the help that can be provided.”

He added: “The people are extremely generous across the district. They were last year as it was certainly the most we have ever raised. We just hope we can do just as well – if not better – this year.”

Members of the Royal British Legion, working alongside local churches, have organised a number of events for this year’s Remembrance Day, including:

Friday, November 7

Norton: Festival of Remembrance at Norton College, 7.15pm. Canon John Manchester will lead the service with music from The White Star Band, Malton and Norton Male Voice Choir and the ATC Corps of Drums. A raffle and refreshments are also on offer. Tickets cost £5 with concessions £3.50.

Saturday, November 8

Pickering: Annual Coffee morning at Pickering Memorial Hall, 10am to 12.30pm. Including raffle, tombola and bric-a-brac.

Sunday, November 9

Hovingham: Parade and wreath laying in the churchyard at All Saints Church followed by a service, 10.50am.

Malton: Wreath laying ceremony and parade at Malton War Memorial, 11am.