LOCAL army, air and sea cadets have been praised for their help in selling poppies for the Poppy Appeal in Musselburgh.

The annual collection is organised by Musselburgh & Inveresk Community Council and last year raised about £8,000 to provide support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.

Funds raised through the appeal – the Royal British Legion’s biggest fundraising campaign – go towards offering expert guidance and assistance with recovery and civilian life transition.

Irene Tait, community council chairperson, has been involved with the community council’s collection for the past 30 years.

She said: “We have poppies in all the schools in Musselburgh, as well as most of the shops and businesses.”

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She said that as well as community councillors and volunteers selling poppies, the cadets had turned out to help on Saturday and will also be collecting this Saturday.

“They are all very enthusiastic and cheery,” said Irene, who added: “It is great to see our young people marking the history of our town’s loss in past wars. These young people go above and beyond. They mingle with the community and the feedback has been fabulous. They are truly a credit to this town.

“It’s an honour that local people can help raise funds for Poppyscotland and enable them to help our forces as and when it is required.

“We would like to say a big thank you.”