The 2012 British Legion local Poppy Appeal has raised more than £12,600, compared to £11,206.09 the previous year.

Colonel Jimmy Jack and his team managed to raise £4,800 in Sainsbury's foyer on the first day alone and each collector required two boxes.

East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds also lent his support to the appeal by the British Legion which provides immediate support and lifelong care to Armed Forces families in need.

The record £40million raised in the UK in 2011 is expected to be topped by the final 2012 collection total.

Colonel Jack, who runs the Bramshott and Liphook appeal collection, said: "Our Forces continue to suffer casualties in Afghanistan.

"This means more disabled ex-service personnel and bereaved families need help, provision of adequate medical and surgical care, support for the families of the dead and wounded, and provision of legal advice as well as representation at inquests and awards.

"Such support may take the form of provision of accessibility fixtures and fittings, like grab rails in bathrooms, shower room conversions, stair lifts, riser-recliner chairs, to name but a few. But it also means help with mortgage and credit card repayments, repairs to properties and white goods."