A FUNDRAISER has reached his target of raising more than £12,000 for the Poppy Appeal.

Honorary Poppy Appeal organiser for the Bourne area Charles Friend is pleased with the community's efforts towards the Bourne branch of the Royal British Legion Club's collection last year.

He said: "We hope to have raised £13,000 by the time we have collected all the money, which is slightly more than last year. It is a great effort by all."

Mr Friend's aim was to beat the 2008 total for the branch which was about £11,700. He had hoped to top £12,000 but thought the economic downturn would make this a struggle.

He distributed collection boxes to more than 150 shops and businesses with the help of R J Scholes Funeral Directors.

Mr Friends thanked everyone who has supported the appeal.

"The response has been fantastic in the area as always. Your support is very much appreciated," he said.

"The Poppy Appeal is such a worthwhile cause enabling the Legion to offer support to those who need it."

Collections took place in the town and at Bourne's supermarkets and there was a musical evening by Bourne Choral Society, supported by pupils from The Robert Manning College, was held in autumn at Bourne Abbey Church. Money raised from the concert kick-started the appeal with £500. The Women's Section of the Royal British Legion also hosted a coffee morning.

All cash raised will support the serving and ex-service community and their families.