Royal British Legion volunteers say they expect a record-breaking total when this year’s Poppy Appeal donations are finally counted up.

The Chorleywood and Chenies branch of the Royal British Legion, which also organises collections in Watford Town Centre, said it had already counted donations of almost £16,000 - with still more to come.

The remarkable achievement, 90 years after the end of the First World War, comes at a time when many charities are reporting a drop in donations.

Veteran volunteer Olive Bovingdon, who has been shaking the distinctive red collecting tins for 35 years, said: “There’s certainly no credit crunch in Watford when it comes to the Poppy Appeal.

“We’ve still got all the church tins and private donations to count up so we’re expecting a record total.

“People have been so generous to us. I really think the 90 year anniversary and the conflict in Afghanistan have really played on people’s minds.”

Major Reginald Philpot, chairman of the branch, added: “It has been a remarkable success.

“Our special thanks go to all the shops, clubs, public houses and offices who displayed collection boxes and poppies.”