MBE for poppy stalwart

Britain’s longest-serving poppy seller is “over the moon” after being awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Rosemary Powell, 103, plans to retire from selling poppies later this year after a remarkable 97 years of collecting for the appeal.

She first helped her mother sell poppies on Richmond Bridge for the Royal British Legion’s first Poppy Appeal in 1921 when aged six.

The great-grandmother, from London, is planning on hanging up her collection tin this year and hand over to a new generation of fundraisers as she is “getting old”.

Last night it was announced that the widow – whose first fiancé died in the Second World War – will be awarded an MBE.

“It is very nice that I have been given this,” she said.

“I still vividly remember selling poppies on Richmond Bridge with my mother.”

Her son Giles said: “The MBE is a tremendous reward for years and years of hard work and loyalty.”

Charles Byrne, director general of the Royal British Legion, said: “She is a true inspiration who continues to inspire people across the country.”