A dedicated volunteer who has helped raise more than �32,000 for the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal is stepping down.

Rupert Aubrey-Cound, 80, of London Road, Attleborough, has co-ordinated the town's appeal for eight years.

The veteran, who has recently been elected chairman of the RBL's Attleborough and District branch, hopes someone will come forward to replace him after an unsuccessful 12-month search by the charity.

'You get a great sense of satisfaction. When the collection is finished, and all the trays and boxes are in, and you've counted the money and banked it and you seen you've collected more than the previous year, that makes one feel like one has made a difference,' he said.

With continuing conflicts overseas, he said the work of the RBL is as important today as it has ever been.

He added: 'It may seem simple but getting the Legion to donate towards somebody's chair lift or modification to bathrooms and shower cubicles can mean a lot.

'When you get someone writing in to say thank you very much, it adds to the pleasure.'

For more information on the role, contact community fundraiser Lyn Hatch on 01603 438132.