A FUNDRAISER who has collected more than £100,000 for Poppyscotland has been honoured with the charity’s top award.

Poppyscotland recognised the efforts of Janet Cessford, who was a member of Dunbar Royal British Legion for more than 40 years, with a special presentation.

A regular fundraiser for Legion Scotland’s charitable activities, it is her efforts for the Poppyscotland’s annual Poppy Appeal that she is best known.

In the run up to Remembrance Day each year, Janet, of Dunbar, would be out in all-weather delivering the Poppy Appeal collection cans to all the shops and businesses throughout the town.

In a ceremony held in Dunbar, Janet was presented with a special Centenary Award which is named for the 100-year anniversary of the founding of Poppy Scotland.

Only 10 such awards have been presented throughout Scotland.

The presentation was made by Gordon Michie, head of fundraising at Poppyscotland, and Claire Armstrong, CEO of Legion Scotland.

Mr Michie paid tribute to the volunteer and said: “I was honoured to present this award to Janet in recognition of her incredible dedication and commitment over the last three decades.

“She truly exemplifies the idea of ‘service before self’, and has always been willing to put her hand up and help in any way she could.

“Janet has been a selfless supporter of the Armed Forces community in Scotland, whether organising the Scottish Poppy Appeal or managing tabletop sales in the Legion Hall.

“She is a well-kent face in Dunbar, using her trolley to cart collection tins and poppies to all the local businesses and shops, come rain or shine.

“She can be incredibly proud that she has raised around £100,000 over the last 30 years, as well as inspiring countless other volunteers to get involved.

“We’d like to say a massive thank you to Janet for her tireless work that has made a real difference to the lives of those who have served.”

Also in attendance were the new Poppy Appeal team of Dunbar Legion.

Iain Maddox, vice-chairman of Dunbar Legion, was among those paying tribute to Janet.

He said: “She has been an absolute inspiration.

“In the Legion, we have this thing about ‘service before self’ and she is the absolute epitome of ‘service before self’.

“She selflessly did this work for 30 odd years.”