Poppy Appeal volunteers in Cromer have celebrated their dedication with two events recognising their efforts.

At the beginning of the month, Cromer and District's Poppy Appeal organiser, David Phillip-Pritchard, was honoured with 15-year and 20-year badges at a Norfolk-wide event in Fakenham.

Lt Gen Jonathan Page (ret) CB OBE, president of the Royal British Legion in Norfolk, presented the awards.

Mr Phillip-Pritchard said: “I can’t believe how quickly the years have passed since I first started collecting, going door-to-door with my family."

He also credited his wife, Helen, for her support by saying: "Without Helen’s patience and tolerance, I would never be able to run the appeal for Cromer."

Royal British Legion Cromer Poppy Appeal volunteers recognised Royal British Legion Cromer Poppy Appeal volunteers were recognised (Image: Submitted)

At the monthly meeting of the Royal British Legion in Cromer, more volunteers were acknowledged.

Mr Phillip-Pritchard said: "The help given by every volunteer in Cromer, whether for one hour or one day, helps make the appeal the success it is every year."

Lynn Hatch, Norfolk's Poppy Appeal organiser, presented the corporate awards.

Jane and Jeff Boyer, of the Cromer Gift Shop, and Morrisons, represented by Simon Clipsom, were recognised for their significant contributions.

It was estimated that nearly £50,000 has been raised at Morrisons over 15 years.

Individual awards were given to Ian Conway, Bob Theiss, Sandra Theiss, Amanda Lawn, and Trevor Barton, all with five-year certificates.

Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal volunteers honoured in Cromer George Baker (Image: Submitted)

Col John Meggy (ret), Ron Roper, and Lynn Roper received 10-year certificates, while Hilary Cox MBE and Michael Norman were awarded the 15-year badge and a 10-year certificate.

The final award went to 95-year-old George Baker, branch president, who received a 30-year medal and 35-year bar.

Mr Phillip-Pritchard took the opportunity to thank Mike Norman and Briant Angus, his predecessors as Cromer's appeal organisers, for their groundwork.

Before moving to the individual awards, Mr Phillip-Pritchard  said that without the assistance of Julian Humphries, who arranges the collectors at Morrisons each year, the appeal in Cromer would not be as successful as it is.

Unfortunately, Julian could not be present for the awards, but if he had, he would have been presented with a 10-year certificate and a 15-year badge.

Anyone interested in helping out during the Poppy Appeal or ordering a wreath for Remembrance Sunday can contact the Poppy Appeal on 01263 511270, or email cromerpao@gmail.com.