The store's Community Champion, Mukhtar Mirza, praised the community spirit shown by volunteers and shoppers, saying the appeal had been a 'massive success'.

Colleagues, volunteers and shoppers at Burnley’s Tesco store have helped to raise a record £22,833 for the Royal British Legion, surpassing last year’s total by just over £12,000.

The increase marks a record-breaking milestone in the store’s long-standing partnership with the Burnley branch of the Royal British Legion.

This year’s appeal was officially launched by the Mayor of Pendle, Coun.Nadeem Ahmed. The store also received visits from Burnley MP Oliver Ryan, the Deputy Mayor of Pendle, Coun. Brian Newman, and Worshipful Brother Keith Jackson, representing Area 2 Freemasonry.

Throughout the fundraising period, local community groups volunteered their time to collect donations and distribute poppies to shoppers.

Burnley's Tesco store has raised a record amount for this year's Poppy Appeal | s

placeholder image — Burnley's Tesco store has raised a record amount for this year's Poppy Appeal | s

All funds raised will go directly toward supporting the armed forces community, including serving personnel, veterans, and their families.

Mukhtar Mirza, the store’s Community Champion, said: "Our Poppy Appeal 2026 has been a massive success. Going from just over £12,000 last year to almost £23,000 this year is phenomenal.

“We are very proud of this achievement, and we have been humbled by the community spirit shown by our volunteers alongside the generosity of local shoppers.

“Thank you to everyone involved, including our dedicated Tesco staff, the RBL team, our volunteers, and every single person who donated.

“We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our local councillors, schools, army, air, sea and police cadets, alongside the Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team, Healthier Heroes, ex-service personnel, and the many local organisations such as Let's Stride Group and many other individuals who made this possible."

Angela Robertson, from the Burnley branch of the RBL added: "The Royal British Legion would like to say a huge thank you to Tesco and all of its customers for supporting the Poppy Appeal.

“Their generous donation will make a massive difference to the support we can provide to our veterans and their families. It is wonderful to see such community spirit and care for those who have given so much for us."