POPPY collectors have praised Marlow’s generosity after an “astounding” fundraising effort in the run-up to Remembrance weekend.

Marlow Royal British Legion confirmed it has already topped the total raised in the whole of last year for the Poppy Appeal, with £30,770.91 generated from poppy sales and donations since October.

Branch chairman Shaun Murphy said street collections were up £2600 during a record turnout for the Remembrance Sunday commemorations.

He said: “It’s astounding, we’ve done so well in all areas.

“The presence on Remembrance Sunday was amazing. We’re really pleased, and we will be running more events throughout the year.

“It’s going to be a bumper year for us. It really is a huge effort on behalf of the town and I’d like to thank people for that.”

Mr Murphy also said money boxes from shops and businesses surged £2500 from last year.

An estimated 6000 people packed out the town centre for the annual parade, which is one of the biggest in the area.

Organisers said earlier this month they were "bowled over" by the support from Marlovians from all walks of life who came to pay their respects in this World War One centenary year.