Residents have played their part in raising thousands of pounds to support armed forces during the Remembrance period.

It has been announced that the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal has raised more than £18,000 in the Ammanford area this year.

Major Ken Burton, Poppy Appeal organiser for the town, said he was delighted with the response.

He said: “I would like to thank all the kind people of the local communities whose generosity has enabled us to collect over £18,400 for the 2021 Poppy Appeal.

“The success of the Poppy Appeal is once again due, in no small part, to all the businesses in the area that so readily supported us by allowing us to collect at their premises, a very sincere thank you to them all.”

Major Burton added: “Each week the Royal British Legion spends millions of pounds in meeting our commitment to support the men, women, and their families who have served, or are serving, in our Armed Forces.

“Unfortunately, the demand is greater than ever but, thanks to the support of the general public, we will continue to meet that demand.”

The Royal British Legion marked its centenary this year with Ammanford also celebrating its centenary as one of the first branches of the Legion to be founded in September 1921.

It was formed from the local volunteers fund set up after the First World War and met in the parlour of 14 Talbot Road.

Probably one of the oldest organisations in the town it continues to carry on the work it was set up to do, looking after veterans and their families.

Major Burton, president of the Ammanford branch, added:

“Over the last 100 years the Legion has continually supported the men and women that are still suffering as a result of recent conflicts, it is our duty to care for them and their families and with the help of the general public we will carry on doing so.

“I pay tribute to the small, but loyal, team of collectors who gave their time freely for this most worthy of causes.”