A MASSIVE �33,187.56 has been raised by the Poppy Appeal in Great Yarmouth - the highest total in the history of the campaign.

And the chairman of the Great Yarmouth branch of the Royal British Legion, which also covers Gorleston, has praised the generosity of the public in achieving the record total.

Paul Williams said: “It’s the most we’ve ever raised in the Great Yarmouth branch and I want to thank everybody concerned. Members, volunteers and everybody who contributed to the Poppy Appeal has given us a wonderful response.”

The total is the first to be announced in the borough, with those from Caister, Martham, Ormesby, and Bradwell and Burgh Castle branches still being counted.

Thousands of people filled St George’s Park on Remembrance Sunday. Organisers said it was the strongest turnout they have seen for decades, and �1,856.20 was raised from the collection alone at the service.

Totals for the other four branches of the Royal British Legion will be announced in the Mercury.