A Royal British Legion (RBL) branch in the Forest of Dean has paid tribute to a “very special” member who has decided to “hang up his collection tin” after 23 years of dedication to the Poppy Appeal.

At a meeting this month, Longhope and District RBL member Les Meadows was presented with an award to commemorate his years of service to the branch, of which he has been an active member for 27 years.

Les, who was also branch secretary for a “staggering” 25 years, passed on the mantle of leading the branch’s Poppy Appeal Collection to another member, Fiona Greaves, following the end of his final campaign in 2021.

He was presented with a commemorative Tommy silhouette by Longhope RBL Chair Rob Greaves at February’s branch meeting at the Red Lion in Huntley, and was thanked by members “for all his dedicated time”.

A spokesperson for the branch said that Les knows that Fiona will continue “the amazing work he has achieved over the years.”

The branch is also inviting members of the public to join them for their monthly meetings at the Red Lion to find out more about how the RBL helps to support people in the community.

The spokesperson said that all attendees “will be assured of a warm welcome.”

“We welcome all service personnel but you do not have to have been a serving member in any of the forces to come to a meeting merely interested in how the branch helps and supports people”, they said.

“Also if you have had relatives in the forces you may want to continue their work too or you may just want to support us a charity.”

Those interested in finding out more are encouraged to contact the Longhope and District Royal British Legion through their Facebook page, or just turn up to the next meeting on Tuesday, March 8.