CUSTOMERS at Sainsbury's Witney store raised more than £16,000 for The Royal British Legion's (RBL) Poppy Appeal this year.

Volunteers sold poppies and collected donations outside the supermarket ahead of Armistice Day, making £16,230.67 in total.

Oxfordshire's Lord Lieutenant Tim Stevenson called for residents to raise a record amount in this year's campaign, which marked the centenary of the end of the First World War.

Sainsbury's customers gave generously and store manager Kevin Morton hailed the supermarket's longstanding partnership.

He said: “We love being involved with the Poppy Appeal and this year our customers and colleagues showed their continued support for this great cause.

"We’re thrilled to have raised such a huge amount for The Royal British Legion and look forward to seeing what the future holds for the 24 year partnership.”

Fundraisers were hoping the 2018 appeal in Oxfordshire would smash last year's total of £607,473.62.

This year, the RBL is aiming to raise £50m nationwide for the campaign, which provides support for the armed forces community.

Vist www.britishlegion.org.uk