SIR – To the people of Bingley, and its surrounding towns, please accept my deepest recognition of the support given to the 2013 Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

From the Poppy Shop on Main Street to Tyler Bower, of Trinity All Saints Primary School, who collected 1p and 2p pieces at home over the year, your generosity, kindness and overall thoughtfulness has been overwhelming.

During the two-week period of the Poppy Shop being open I was made to laugh, cry and be very thankful of the community that I live within.

Young and old alike visited on more than one occasion, testament to the spirit of a town that has been somewhat down at heel during recent years. Many more local people have been involved during this year’s appeal, including people knitting poppies.

Thanks to you all, Poppy Appeal donations are up by more than 30 per cent on previous years. A special thank-you goes to Richard Holmes, 5rise precinct manager, who really is the heart of Bingley.

The Blue Dog tattoo shop, off Park Road, and Gill Harney, of Nab Wood stonemasons, were both burgled recently. Thanks to both owners’ diligence regarding their resident poppy boxes, they were returned safely to the appeal.

Collin MacDonald, Poppy Appeal organiser, on behalf of The Royal British Legion, Heath Street, Bingley