YOUNG people who boosted Blackheath’s Poppy Appeal have been recognised for their efforts by the town’s Royal British Legion.

Proving they were a cut above the rest, Cradley Heath barber's Xtreme Cutz , which attracts a largely young clientele, won the shield for being the small business to raise the most money after collecting £330.

Top school and the Arthur Hodgetts Memorial Shield went to Brickhouse Primary, narrowly ahead of Highfields Primary, with almost £40 raised.

Legion branch secretary Mark Spilsbury said support from the younger generations in the town was “fantastic”.

“It was the first time Xtreme Cutz sold poppies and the amount raised was quite surprising.”

Brickhouse primary is a past winner of the trophy and deputy headteacher Helen Debney said: “We did assemblies and had lessons in class so the children understood what the appeal was about.

“They are always really keen to contribute and we have a lot of support from parents.”