The charitable endeavours of the Guildhall Shopping Centre have reached new heights after British Legion volunteers collected more than £8000 this year.

The record-breaking amount, donated in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday in November, represents a massive increase on the charity's collection for fallen and wounded servicemen and women in 2009.

And the success follows on from a year of fundraising events for the Donna Louise Trust, the centre's chosen charity for 2010.

Bosses have organised a world record attempt on the number of welly-wearers doing the Conga, the Dress Like The WAGs fashion show, and a Heroes Day featuring members of the armed forces.

The centre's Marketing Manager Anne Graham said: "We've had great fun this year raising money for the Donna Louise Trust and continue to be taken aback by the generosity of Staffordians.

"Even in the present economic climate they can dig deep into their pockets for people less fortunate and nothing shows that more than the fantastic results of the British Legion collections.

"Altogether in 2010 we have raised £11000 for charity and we'll be looking to beat that next year."

Nick Oldfield is the British Legion's Community Fundraiser for North Staffordshire.

He said: "This year's Poppy Appeal collection, which took place between Nov 1st and 13th, was one of the best ever, raising £8100 - more than double last year's collection.

"The cash will be a huge boost for servicemen and women wounded, injured and sick in Afghanistan."