A MYSTERY benefactor handed a huge donation to surprised volunteers collecting for Poppy Day.

The elderly woman, who did not give her name, gave an envelope to charity collectors outside Binns, in Darlington, on Saturday.

The envelope was marked for the attention of the British Legion Poppy Appeal and when volunteers opened it they found £2,000 in £20 notes.

Lillian Wiegold, of the Royal British Legion, said: "We couldn't believe it when we counted all the money.

"We want to thank the woman for her generous donation whoever she is.

"Her kindness helped boost this year's appeal considerably."

The woman handed her donation to people collecting on behalf of the Mayor of Darlington, Isobel Hartley, for the Poppy Day appeal.

The mayor has a stand in the town to encourage people to donate to the Poppy Appeal every year.

Mrs Wiegold said: "This woman just seemed to appear from nowhere and she disappeared just as quickly before we knew just how generous she had been."

However, even before the mystery donation, a record amount of money had been raised.

Mrs Wiegold said: "People have been so generous giving us money for the appeal. We will have a final total in the next couple of weeks."

All the money raised in Darlington will be distributed to organisations looking after ex-servicemen and women across the country.