THREE years ago the Darwen branch of the Royal British Legion was on the brink of collapse.

With just 12 members regularly attending meetings, the youngest aged 78, the branch was in real danger.

But after an appeal for help, the branch was saved and now it has won three prestigious awards.

The branch’s Poppy Appeal won the Tom Nuttall Memorial Trophy for funds raised over a period of three years, and the George Haffner Poppy Shield for the best percentage increase in poppy sales in the Lancashire area.

It was also given an award to recognise its 90th anniversary, making it one of the oldest branches of the charity, which was founded in 1921.

Poppy Appeal organiser Stephen Potter said it was the first time the branch had won an award.

He said: “We are very pleased to have won these awards.

“The Poppy Appeal does a lot. It has helped about 9.5million ex-servicemen and women across the country.

“We want to help people, so it is important that the branch thrives and keeps going.”

Mr Potter said the organisation was starting to build up again.

He said: “A lot of hard work has gone in to get it going again. I’m pleased it’s starting to build up again.

“We now have about 50 members, with the youngest aged about 16.

“We need to keep raising the profile of the branch, though, as people don’t often realise we have our own branch here in Darwen.”

Mr Potter said the generosity of Darreners was instrumental in the branch winning the Poppy Appeal awards.

He said: “We raised more than £17,000 last year, which is a branch record.

“It is thanks to the amazing support of the people of Darwen. I couldn’t ask for more support.

“Although I will be asking for more this year, when hopefully we can beat last year’s total.

“I would also like to thank all the volunteers who helped with the appeal.

“I couldn’t do anything without them.”

To become a member of the Darwen branch of the Royal British Legion costs £12.

Visit www.darwenrbl.co.uk for information.