EMILY Harris, Highworth's veteran Poppy Appeal collector, has died at the age of 98.

Over the past 60 years, Mrs Harris, who died on Monday after a short illness, showed an astonishing commitment to the appeal.

In October, the Evening Advertiser reported she received a medal from the Royal British Legion for her devotion to the cause.

Mrs Harris, of The Green, Highworth, told the Adver-tiser she was driven by a desire to help the men and women who fought so bravely for their country.

She had sold poppies on the streets of Highworth every year since 1943, raising thousands of pounds.

Despite her age and increasing frailty she was out on the streets last year in her wheelchair, raising more than £50.

David Wood, 72, Poppy Appeal coordinator at High-worth and District RBL, said she was an amazing example to others.

He said: "She was a redoubtable character.When she looked at people from her wheelchair they would usually give a donation."

Born in Blunsdon, Mrs Harris, who had one child, David, had lived in Highworth for 70 years.

As well as helping the Poppy Appeal, Mrs Harris, whose husband Dick died in 1987, was a staunch supporter of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

She was also a member of the Silver Threads, the Mothers' Union, was president of the women's section of the RBL and was a regular member of the congregation at St Michael's Church, Highworth.

Her long-standing friend and fellow Poppy Appeal collector Margaret Ayres, 53, of Swindon Road, said Mrs Harris would be greatly missed.

"I knew her for around 30 years, and we collected together for the last 10 years.

"She was a lovely lady, and we will all miss her."

The Rev Alan Homer, who presented Mrs Harris with her medal in his role as padre to the RBL, described her as a "wonderful woman".

He said: "This is a sad loss for Highworth."

Mrs Harris' funeral takes place at St Michael's Church, at 11.45am on Monday, January 19, and will be followed by a cremation at Kingsdown crematorium.

Tamash Lal