THE funeral of a dedicated Black Country fundraiser and former chairman of the Cradley Royal British Legion branch will take place on Monday (July 16).

Well known in the area for his Poppy Appeal collecting each year, Norman Catton – who was 82 when he passed away – raised more than £30,000 for the RBL and the Ex-Servicemen Association during his lifetime.

To celebrate his Norman’s life, dozens of motorcyclists from the British Legion Rider Branch are expected to escort the funeral procession to Stourbridge Crematorium.

The procession will leave A J Timmins & Sons Funeral Directors in Stourbridge Road, Halesowen, at 11.45am before heading to the crematorium, where it is expected to arrive by 12.20pm.

Ron Catton, Norman’s son, said: “Dad was very well known in the area and appeared in the Halesowen News regularly for his poppy collection at Tesco in Cradley Heath and his work with St Peter’s Church in Cradley.

“Although he’s from Exeter, he’s been living in Cradley since the 60s and has always been involved in community life. He has raised over £30,000 for charity which goes to show what a great man he was.

“We are expecting a big turnout and having all the bikers here will be such a special sight.”