A woman in her 90s has been recognised for over 50 years service to the Royal British Legion (RBL) Poppy Appeal with a presentation at a service at her village church, All Saints in Culmstock.

The presentation of a 50-year certificate and badge to Kathleen (Kit) Hoile was made by David Bawler, the RBL Poppy Appeal organiser for the Upper Culm Valley.

He thanked Kit for her dedication, saying when she retired she handed over a book which recorded all the collections made by Culmstock under her guidance.

Kit told him: "Don’t you dare lose it as I want it back!" To her relief it was handed back to her at the event, causing much laughter.

Lauren Chilton, RBL community fundraiser for Devon, also attended, presenting Kit with a brooch. Lauren said £19,622.46 raised since 2001 had been banked under Culmstock’s district for the Poppy Appeal, which she described as astounding. She thanked Kit for her dedication to the appeal.

Kit thanked all those who had collected over the years and all who gave donations.

In the picture (from left) are David Bawler, Kit Hoile and Lauren Chilton.