AN 84-year-old veteran from Barnard Castle has been praised for collecting for the Poppy Appeal since the 1950s.
Sam Henderson agreed to step in to help with collections for the British Legion in town when the late Ray Lodge fell ill.
But his involvement began long before that as a child.
Mr Henderson said: “I have been collecting for the poppies for 25 years in this area but I started off in the 1950s because my sister was in the British Legion so I used to help her in North-West Durham where I'm from.”
Mr Henderson was in the Royal Signals for six years with “colours” and in the reserves for a further six years. He said: “I feel humble because I do not help for the recognition, I do it from the heart because I believe in the British Legion.
“I have no plans to give up. I’ve once even turned up in crutches. I’d just like to thank the staff of Morrisons and customers for the help they have given the Poppy Appeal every year.”
A small presentation was held in Morrisons by the British Legion this month to thank Mr Henderson.
