Kate Williams, the RBL’s county manager, visited members of the Burnhams’ branch and women’s section to present certificates, badges and medals to those who have loyally supported the poppy campaign over the years.

Presentations were made to Mary Heather for 12 years service, David Bunkle for 14 years, Brian Symmonds for 22 years, Clifford Hewitt for 35 years, Stafford Snell for 37 years, Anne Cringle for 40 years and Jean Fitzgerald for 40 years.

Miss Williams said the awards were for their dedication and the time they gave to a very worthy cause selling poppies whatever the weather and often in the cold and wet.

Norfolk’s 70 branches raised £500,000 last year of which the Burnhams, one of the county’s smaller branches, contributed £3,500.

Branch chairman Clifford Hewitt said: “We’re lucky in the Burnhams to have members who are dedicated to the Legion cause and I would like to thank all our poppy sellers for their hard work.”

The Royal British Legion has been active in the Burnhams for nearly 90 years and some of the current members have belonged for 50 years or more.   

“Even so, we badly need some new blood,” added Mr Hewitt.

In addition, it was announced that Burnham Market Primary School was to be honoured with a special certificate of appreciation in recognition of the efforts of generations of pupils who had sold poppies for more than 50 years.

Miss Williams said: “They are one of only a few schools in Norfolk who consistently support our cause.”