LAST year's Poppy Appeal fundraising efforts in Devon smashed through the £1m barrier for the first time.

Delighted Royal British Legion organisers are hoping the recession-busting total might continue its forward march this autumn.

Carol Arnold, RBL's Poppy Appeal fundraiser for Devon, said: 'It was a terrific achievement. And it was all down to the public and our amazing volunteers.'

She is daring to hope that the successful momentum can be maintained this year.

'Despite the hard times we have been able to improve on our total by £100,000 every year for the last four years. It just goes to show how much people care for the military. Their support is much appreciated,' she said.