OVER 100 representatives from the Royal British Legion discussed the year just gone at the organisation’s annual conference on Saturday.

Members from 50 branches across Wiltshire as well as 14 standard-bearers took to the Civic Centre in Trowbridge to discuss events from 2016 and to celebrate the achievements of high achievers within the organisation.

National chairman of the Royal British Legion, Terry Whittles, was the guest speaker and Trowbridge mayor Linda Self was also in attendance.

Wiltshire chairman, Mike Swabey, said: “As always, the conference provided a great opportunity for members from different branches to meet each other.

“It’s been a positive year for the Royal British Legion in Wiltshire and the conference gave us a platform on which to celebrate that.

“The Poppy Appeal raised a total of £630,000 in the county, which is the highest ever total. It’s fantastic to know that people still want to support veterans despite increasingly challenging financial times.

“There was also a strong turnout on Remembrance Sunday across the county, as there always is.

“The conference was attended by the chairmen of branches in Devon, Somerset, Dorset and Hampshire. It’s rare for us to be together so that was a nice addition."

A County Award of Merit was handed to volunteer Irene Sinclair from Chippenham for her ongoing support and fundraising efforts.

The winners of the Lord Lieutenant’s Cup, which is awarded to the squadron that raises the most money for the Poppy Appeal, were Stratton Squadron Air Training Corps, with Chippenham in second and Trowbridge in third.

Brian Mitchell, the organisation’s county ceremonial officer, said: “It was a great event and well attended by local branches.

“The Civic Centre is a great venue for the conference and has been for the past five years. It provides the perfect space and the food is brilliant too.

“Lots of guys who come out of the army have real problems but they carry on with their normal lives as if nothing is wrong. That’s one of the reasons organisations like the Royal British Legion are so important.”