RICHARD BROOK has been one of the busiest delivery drivers in Huddersfield over the last couple of weeks.

By tomorrow Richard, 27, and a small team of volunteers will have distributed a staggering 100,000 poppies across Huddersfield for this year’s Poppy Appeal.

The Royal British Legion Huddersfield branch organises the local poppy fundraiser, part of a nationwide effort to support soldiers young and old.

Over the last 10 years, the appeal has raised £350,000 in Huddersfield alone.

And organisers want to beat last year’s £43,000 record by topping £50,000 this time.

The organisation behind the mammoth appeal often goes unnoticed.

But with 100,000 poppies of various materials, shapes and sizes the logistics of the operation can’t be under-estimated.

Richard, of Meltham, has just taken over as Poppy Appeal honorary organiser and is in the middle of a hectic period.

“It’s pretty much 24/7 right now and will be over the two weeks that the appeal is running,” he said.

“It’s a big undertaking but it is of vital importance and I hope everybody supports the appeal.”

The perils and sacrifices of Yorkshire soldiers have not been in such focus for decades following the deaths of four Huddersfield soldiers this year alone.

That will give this year’s Poppy Appeal – which runs from tomorrow until November 11 – added poignancy.

Richard took over as organiser from Jack West, 79, who has carried out the role for the last 10 years.

Jack, backed by family and friends, joined Richard on the road as poppies were delivered to the homes of 80 volunteer sellers and well over 150 shops, pubs and businesses.

Richard, whose home has been engulfed in boxes of poppies for weeks, has been helped by Huddersfield motor firm Arnold Clark which has donated a van for two weeks.

Richard, who has previously been a charity volunteer, took on the role when Jack – also chairman of the Royal British Legion Huddersfield branch – announced he was stepping down.

“It’s a big and important job and I am delighted to be helping out,” said Richard.

There’s more to the organisation than just delivering.

Richard has to do all the ordering as well and there are many different kinds of poppies.

As well as the traditional pin poppies, there are silk poppies, sticky-back poppies, poppy stickers, crystal poppies, car poppies, magnetic poppies, pin badges and even wristbands.

“There’s a lot more to it than meets the eye,” said Richard.

“And once it’s all over I have to go round again collecting in all the money, make sure it’s banked correctly and send out ‘thank-you’ cards.”

Volunteers will be selling poppies at most of the town’s supermarkets from tomorrow.