OKEHAMPTON’S former mayor Cllr Paul Vachon and town councillor Christine Marsh have been honoured by the Royal British Legion for their work supporting the Poppy Appeal.

The duo were honoured at the town’s Rotary May Fair on May 1. Each was presented with a certificate of appreciation by the vice chairman of the Royal British Legion of Devon, Ron Reynolds.

During her tenure as West Devon Mayor in 2014/15, Mrs Marsh’s chosen charity was the Poppy Appeal for which her efforts raised over £7,500. Cllr Vachon had selected the Royal British Legion as one of several charities for his first year as town mayor in 2014/15 and raised over £500 for the Poppy Appeal.

Also on hand to offer the Legion’s gratitude was Carole Arnold, the Devon County Fundraiser for the Royal British Legion.

In addition to these magnificent contributions, Flight Lieutenant Andy Oliver, Officer Commanding 2443 (Okehampton) Squadron Air Training Corps was also recognized by the Legion for helping to raise substantial funds for the Poppy Appeal by completing this year‘s London Marathon.

He was one of 150 participants who had been selected nationwide to represent the Royal British Legion. His total to-date is £1,600.

l Pictured left to right are outgoing Okehampton mayor Cllr Paul Vachon, Cllr Christine Marsh, vice chairman of Devon Royal British Legion Ron Reynolds, Peter Williams, Okehampton branch secretary for Royal British Legion, county fundraiser Carole Arnold, commanding officer of 2443 (Okehampton) Squadron RAF Air Cadets Andy Oliver and two Okehampton cadets.

Picture by James Bird