GENEROUS customers and staff at Sainsbury’s Blackheath store raised more than £6,000 for the town’s Royal British Legion.

The record-breaking £6,840 was presented to legion members at a hand-over this week.

The money was raised throughout the last 12 months from various events which included the store’s book and toy stand, a bake sale, sponsored walk, Christmas party Valentine’s and Mothers’ Day flower wrapping among some.

Some of the money has been spent already on ceremonial flags for the cemetery, a local welfare fund which is in the process of being set up, and gone to the Poppy Appeal.

The store’s deputy manager, Matt Gill, said “The customers and staff have been tremendous this year and really got behind us. We have built up a bond with the legion and hope this continues to grow even though the year has come to an end.”

The organisation to receive funding from the store’s charity events over the next 12 months will be announced shortly.