By Anna Edwards

anna.edwards@essnmedia.co.uk

More money was donated by people in Croydon for this year's Poppy Appeal than ever before.

Croydon's Royal British Legion branch, based in Handcroft Road, West Croydon, has revealed that it collected an impressive £41,000.

Branch secretary Chad Carress says the unprecedented amount shocked collectors, who brought in all the money in just a fortnight, when they totalled it up.

"We thought it might need recounting," he said.

"We only had around eight collectors a day working in central Croydon, so to raise this much is unbelievable.

"We certainly weren't expecting it, last year we raised around £33,000, so it's a big leap for 2009.

"You wouldn't think people would dig so deep, especially in these tough financial times. It's a wonderful surprise."

Mr Carress attributed the surge of generosity to the war in Afghanistan, and the public being more aware of what soldiers are experiencing.

He said: "Because people can see what's going on, the charity's cause is more relevant, and the need for funds becomes more real.

"It's unfortunate that the boys are out there, but at least they are getting a lot of support and generosity."