Following the success of a trial in Kenilworth and other branches last year, the Royal British Legion has tried to keep pace with technology and introduced 5,000 card machines to help the Poppy Appeal across the nation.

Last year Kenilworth had two card machines for the first time which helped the local appeal raise over £16,500 despite the pandemic.

This year the RBL is hoping that the Poppy Appeal will raise over £5 million from contactless donations nationwide thanks to its new machines.

The RBL's assistant director of fundraising, Simon O'Leary, told Nub News: "In a society that is fast becoming less dependent on cash, especially since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, it's vital the RBL's Poppy Appeal is able to accept contactless donations.

"We've been steadily increasing the number of contactless units available each year and we try to use these devices as effectively as possible in high footfall areas.

"Every poppy counts, and we want to ensure as many people as possible can take part in Remembrance, therefore if you don't have cash or access to a contactless unit, you can still get your poppy and donate online, by text or QR code."

Local organisers Debbie and Martin Cox said they were determined for more contactless machines for 2021 following their impact last year.

"We pushed really hard for them, it's the way that things are going and everyone has done really well with it so far," said Debbie.

"It has done really well for us, I suspect once everything comes through we will have taken at least half of our donations on the card machine."

Kenilworth was one of the founding branches of the RBL, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

Details of the town's Remembrance events were announced yesterday, and Debbie has reminded residents that there are still slots available to volunteer with the Poppy Appeal.