BRITISH Legion volunteer John Duke has been honoured for seven decades supporting the Poppy Appeal.

He was presented with the Legion’s Gold Pin and framed certificate in a ceremony at the Coach and Horses in Welsh Street, Chepstow.

The Legion’s national Chair, Lynda Atkins, travelled from Oxfordshire to make the presentation.

Mr Duke started collecting for the Poppy Appeal in 1955 as a 14-year-old air cadet inspired by his instructors’ words of Remembrance.

As an adult cadet instructor he continued to instil the importance of Remembrance in his cadets and always enthusiastically supported the Poppy Appeal.

John has served several times as treasurer and Poppy Appeal organiser for the Chepstow branch

A Chepstow British Legion spokesperson said: “Even when he passed on the mantle of Poppy Appeal organiser, he continued to mentor the new incumbents and is stalwart in his support and time, encouraging others and delivering to schools, pubs and shops year after year.

“The 2025 appeal was no different, John helped conduct stock checks and labelling of the collection tins and was always on hand to help count the donations and provide advice to the latest incumbent.

“His advice and experience continue to be held in high regard.

“For many years John has also made himself available for local organisations to order, pay for and collect their wreaths, clocking up many hundreds of hours, in the Chepstow Gatehouse.

“John is the epitome of a great volunteer and to have continued this for 70 years is tremendous, showing a great strength of character, is worthy of formal national level recognition.

“He is admired and respected by all whom he encounters for his inspirational support to the charity.

“John is always on hand with practical advice and this year is no different.”

To get involved as volunteer or to order a wreath contact [email protected]