A 90-year-old poppy seller who has raised £40,000 for the world famous Poppy Appeal has been given a long service award.

Peter Inman received the award from the Richmond branch of the Royal British Legion in appreciation of his longevity in selling poppies for the appeal every November.

The pensioner, along with his late wife Violet, started selling poppies in October 1968 and each year thereafter - a total of 45 years.

Mr Inman, who was born in Richmond and now lives in Whitton, joined the RAF straight after his 18th birthday and served in the Coastal Command in French West Africa in World War II.

Bill Kay, general manager of the Poppy Factory in Richmond, said: "The Poppy Factory was founded in 1922 and moved to Richmond in 1925.

"To think that Peter has been selling our poppies for half the time that we have been making them is outstanding.

"His long service award is truly well deserved. "Congratulations to him from everyone at the Poppy Factory."