A Royal British Legion caseworker is appealing to any war veterans from Burma and the Falklands to apply for financial assistance.

Carol Everson said UK grants of up to $20,000 are available for former soldiers imprisoned in camps in Burma during the Second World War. She also wants to hear from those who served in The Falklands War.

Ms Everson is also the Poppy Appeal Organiser for the Royal British Legion and yesterday thanked members of the public who contributed to this year's appeal. She said: "The Royal British Legion would like to thank each and every member of the Bermuda public who gave generously to the Poppy Appeal, and also thank you for the many expressions of encouragement, goodwill and support to the entire veterans community.

"We would also like to thank the people who went out with collection boxes and accepted donations. They worked extremely hard."

The Royal British Legion will announce the amount raised by this year's Poppy Appeal later this week.

Any veterans or relatives of former soldiers wondering whether they are entitled to financial assistance should contact Ms Everson at the Royal British Legion on 533-4567.