CADETS that helped raise more than £12,000 during last year’s Poppy Appeal were rewarded for their efforts during a presentation night last week.

More than 100 people gathered at the Royal British Legion Club in Penarth last Wednesday, March 5, to thank the cadet units for the huge amount of work they put into the 2013 Poppy Appeal after they collected a total of £12,077.53

Certificates of thanks were presented to all units who helped to collect for the appeal and a cup awarded for the best effort by units of each of the service cadet organisations.

There was also a shield presented for the overall best result, which this year went to the 30F City of Llandaff Air Cadet Squadron who collected the impressive sum of £1,624.71.

The awards were presented by Major Duncan Cantlay DL who very kindly consented to take on the task which he performed in his usual friendly and helpful manner.

He also presented a certificate of affiliation between Penarth Royal British Legion Branch and her cadet unit to Sergeant Jennifer Green who is the OC of the Penarth Detachment of the Dyfed and Glamorgan Army Cadet Force.

Richard James, Penarth RBL chairman Richard James, said: “Many thanks are due to Sid Nash, the Vale of Glamorgan County Poppy Appeal Coordinator, who put the event together and who also printed and framed the certificates of appreciation.

“A thank you is also due to the staff of the Royal British Legion Club in Penarth who proved to be worthy hosts and made all our guests feel very welcome.

“The ‘Poppy Appeal’ for the 2013/14 season, which runs until September of this year, has so far reached £35 million and we are very optimistic that we will reach our target of £42 million by the end of September.”

He added: “There are huge calls upon the limited resources of the Legion and it is always a struggle to raise the necessary funds to finance this very worthy cause.

“Anyone who would like to join the Penarth Branch and hence get involved in the work of Royal British Legion or who would simply like to help with collecting for the appeal in November would get a warm welcome from the Penarth Committee.

“We can be reached by phoning the Chairman of the Branch on 029 20708560 or by e.mail at rjames82@hotmail.com.”