Sir – It is Volunteers Week, June 1-7, and as a charity that relies on volunteers, I wish to pay a special thank you from the Royal British Legion to the volunteers in Oxfordshire who have helped make the Poppy Appeal so successful.

The 2007 Poppy Appeal across the county raised £502,396, a record, which contributed to the UK total of just under £30m, over 15 per cent more than the £26m raised in 2006.

More than 36 million poppies were worn across the country and this would not have been possible without the dedication of our committed volunteers, who co-ordinate poppy selling in their local areas.

The 99 voluntary Poppy Appeal organisers in the county and the hundreds of other volunteers who supported them helped raise the staggering amount of £502,396 and we’re hoping to raise even more in 2008.

The Poppy Appeal is the lifeblood of the Royal British Legion’s welfare work which supports service people past and present and their families. We provide financial, social and emotional support to people of all ages and backgrounds – from providing special care homes and other welfare services to Second World War veterans, to helping those in more recent conflicts adjust to life outside the services, providing a fresh start or support through an immediate crisis like homelessness. It is of fundamental importance for the success and future of the Poppy Appeal that more poppy collectors and organisers are recruited. If any of your readers are interested in volunteering, either as a collector or an organiser, it would be my pleasure to hear from them. Budding volunteers can get in touch with me on 01296 485694 or by emailing pboyle@britishlegion.org.uk Sincere thanks again to our dedicated volunteers and a welcome to any volunteer.

Peter F Boyle, Community fundraiser, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire