ROYAL British Legion members are celebrating after raising �8,000 for the Poppy Appeal - a staggering 230 per cent increase on their previous donation.

Manea’s branch was presented with the Cambridgeshire award for the highest increase in Poppy Appeal fundraising for their efforts in 2010.

Brenda Hammond, women’s section president, said she was “delighted” to find out how much was raised after receiving the award from Tony Parramint, East Cambridgeshire County Council Chairman, on Saturday.

Ms Hammond hailed the prize as an award for the “whole branch and village.” Manea Royal British Legion raised �2,429.03 in 2009.