THREE generations of a Littleover family have won awards for their dedication to the Poppy Appeal.

Between them, 91-year-old Iris Roome, her daughter, Dorothy Anstee, and Dorothy's daughter, Judy Parkin, have spent 70 years selling poppies across Derby.

Now the Royal British Legion has presented them with awards for their work, which Mrs Anstee said was inspired by her father's role in the Second World War.

The 69-year-old, of Southcroft, Littleover, who has been selling poppies for 35 years along with her husband, Paul, said she was extremely proud.

She said: "My father, Jack, served in the Sherwood Foresters in the war. He died around 25 years ago but he went all over Europe and to Africa as a member of the infantry.

"When I first joined the British Legion and began selling poppies I was thinking of what he'd done.

"My mother then became involved and later we were joined by my daughter."

The three were given their awards at a ceremony, held at the Littleover Royal British Legion Club, in Blagreaves Lane.

More than 30 other people were also awarded for their years of service to the Poppy Appeal.

Mrs Anstee, a former cleaner at Rolls-Royce, said: "It was a wonderful night and I was so pleased we were all there. My husband, Paul, also won the 35-year award.

"Every year we sell nearly 3,000 poppies. These days I stand outside Asda, in Sinfin, but I used to sell in Derby city centre, outside the old Marks and Spencer, in St Peter's Street.

"We've stood outside in all weathers, for a fortnight each year. I think we sell more poppies these days than ever but this year could be difficult. People have not got much money to spend on charity."

Mrs Parkin, of Carlisle Avenue, Littleover, said the poppy appeal would run strongly into future generations.

The 46-year-old said: "My youngest son, Thomas, is 19 and for the last seven years has helped me out at Pride Park.

"Every November we go down and stand near the away supporters. When Derby County were in the Premier League we found Chelsea supporters to be the most generous. Some gave us £20 for a poppy.

"But even though Second World War survivors are getting older, there is a new need for support for ex-servicemen and their families from the war in the Middle East. The Royal British Legion is still an important group."

Bernard Page, branch chairman at Littleover Royal British Legion, said the years of service the family had given were something to be very proud of.

He said: "Mrs Roome and her family are an inspiration and I think her husband having fought in the Second World War has given them a sense of purpose."