A WOMAN who sold more than a million poppies for the Royal British Legion passed away this week, at the age of 105.

Carmel Connolly dedicated more than four decades of her life to the charity as a Poppy Appeal volunteer in London then in Spennymoor, in County Durham.

A former member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), she served at various air bases throughout the Second World War and experienced bombing raids by the Luftwaffe several times.

She began fundraising for the Royal British Legion around 1960, after attending a military parade in London for Armistice Day, and went on to sell more than a million and raise thousands of pounds for the cause.

On her 100th birthday she told The Northern Echo: “I believe very strongly in the charity, but I didn’t think I would be doing it for so long. If everyone gave even a penny, imagine the difference that could make to helping people who need it.”

Mrs Connolly was born at Old Eldon, near Bishop Auckland, and after service worked for the Post Office until retiring in 1961.

In 1988 she married old school sweetheart Patrick Connolly and they settled in Spennymoor.

The town’s former Poppy Appeal coordinator Paul Harper said: “She was an enthusiastic and committed volunteer and almost resentful three years ago when she had to do less.

“She was treasured in the town and very much a lady, always dressed nicely, her home was just-so, she was well-read and independent.”

In 2014 Mrs Connolly was recognised with a Durham County Council chairman’s medal when vice-chairman Councillor John Robinson said: “Your charitable work with the Royal British Legion has become legendary.”