Pat Day has given sterling service for 17 years and will still help out.

ONE of East Devon’s leading Poppy Appeal organisers is bowing out after 17 years on the front line.

Award winning Pat Day, 83, has helped to collect thousands of pounds during her time spearheading the annual Royal British Legion fund raiser at Uplyme.

Currently president of the village branch, she will be standing down after this year’s campaign.

Her successor will be comparative Uplyme newcomer Jane Garland.

Said Mrs Day: “The branch is sure she will do a good job in upholding our excellent record of support for the Royal Legion. The village has always responded well to good causes.”

Mrs Day has been a member of the Uplyme Branch for 30 years, and has been its president for nearly a quarter of a century.

Last year, national headquarters honoured her with the coveted “For Merit” badge in recognition of her outstanding service for the poppy appeal.

In her first year as appeal organiser, Uplyme raised the splendid amount of around �1,000.

That figure has risen steadily during her time at the helm to almost �2,500 last year.

She added: “I feel the time has come to relinquish my role as poppy appeal organiser.

“I believe the Royal British Legion does a tremendous job, and I am proud to support it.

“I shall not be leaving the branch when I give up organising the poppy appeal for I intend to serve it for as long as I am fit and able.”