FOR 50 years, Elsie Avery has been selling poppies on the streets of North Tawton in all winds and weathers —her commitment to the Royal British Legion was recognised last week at a special presentation ceremony.
Mrs Avery, 91, is a stalwart of the Legion having been a member of the women's section for almost as long as it has been in existence. She joined in the 1940s and is the current president.
Mrs Avery's friendliness and helpfulness are the qualities that stand out for chairman of the women'section Enid Westlake.
'She has always been an active member and attends as many meetings as she can,' she said.
'Whenever a member is ill she visits them and sends them a card and has always been helpful to people.
'She is a very independent lady and once she makes up her mind she wants to do something she will.
'She is a real asset and we appreciate everything she has done over the years.'
Mrs Avery's husband was in the Desert Rats during the war and the couple ran an ironmongery store in North Tawton for 40 years.
Her daughter Monica Symons, who has been a poppy seller for 30 years, said: 'We make house-to-house calls but Mum has stood out in the Square on Saturday mornings in all winds and weathers collecting for the Poppy Appeal. She is really committed to it. I think that is why I started doing it really.'
Mrs Avery was presented with a certificate and badge from the North Tawton branch of the Royal British Legion at a ceremony in the Keyden Arms.