THE Poppy Appeal for the Three Towns and West Kilbride smashed through the £16,000 barrier.

Organised by Paul Swainson on behalf of Poppyscotland, the appeal raised a current total of £16,938, up on the £14,900 from last year.

This includes £1,380 from the sale of poppy retail pin badges.

And there is more to come with the profit from the darts event held in the Ardrossan Civic Centre to be added to the tally.

A huge thank you goes to the Cadet Forces who raised £1,333.57 during their Saturday street collection.

Paul said: “I would like to pass on a massive thank you to the town and all the volunteers that assist. You have done the community proud.

“Even in this austere times, we remember those who have came before us with goodwill.”

Paul will be issuing the certificates and thank yous when he returns from celebrating his Golden Wedding anniversary.

He added: “I would like to thank the Sea Cadets for their help at the start for raising £599 from the ferry and a thanks to Calmac for allowing them the time to be on board. We appreciate the time and support.”

The cadet forces were honoured and thanked at a special event in Saltcoats Town Hall last Thursday evening.