PRESENTATIONS were made to two members of the Skipton branch of the Royal British Legion at the recent annual general meeting.

Irene Willis and Susan Bye were both presented with a certificate of appreciation from the Skipton branch and from the North and East Yorkshire County Association for their services to the Poppy Appeal and associated military charities.

Mrs Willis was responsible for organising 29 concerts over a 26 year period, raising in excess of £65,000 which was donated to the Battleback Centre to help injured and recovering service personnel.

Over the years, she has been assisted by her daughter, Susan Bye.

The Concerts, held in Otley, featured numerous bands and orchestras and in recent years the bands of the Royal Air Force have delighted large audiences with their variety of music, instrumentalists and soloists. This year’s concert takes place on Saturday, 14 October 14, in the presence of special guests from the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, the Chelsea Pensioners, and members of the Ghurkha Regiment.

Skipton Branch President Barry Blood presented the certificates to Mrs Willis and Mrs Bye and bouquets of flowers were also presented.

Mr Blood said the Royal British Legion owed much to Mrs Willis and Mrs Bye for their hard work and total dedication.