DEDICATED cadets were honoured for their part in raising nearly £135,000 across Greater Manchester for the annual poppy appeal.

At a prestigious awards ceremony at Newman RC College in Chadderton, 1st Bolton were named as army cadet winners for raising £8,155.26.

This feat also saw them reach third place overall in the poppy appeal collection competition behind the Oldham and Radcliffe air cadet squadrons.

Cadet Tyler Patel, aged 18, said the 30 cadets in his unit raised the money through loading bags in supermarkets.

Tyler, who is a student at Rivington and Blackwood High School, added: “It is an absolute privilege to contribute to the fund.

“We all joined in with the fundraising and when you have 30 cadets all working together it makes it a lot easier.”

Bolton 1st army cadets also beat their 2012 fundraising total which saw them collect £7,925.91.

More than 60 cadet forces comprisng more than 4,000 cadets took part in the poppy appeal competition, which has been running since 1996.

Lord Lieutenant Colonel Smith said: “It takes determination and a lot of effort to be able to raise this huge amount of money. It's also impressive that young people are so committed to ensuring that those who serve are always remembered.”

President of the Royal British Legion, Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson, added: “To see so many of our cadets working for the benefit of others is wonderful.

“It is a huge amount of money, especially when there are so many pressures on charitable giving.

“The poppy continues to be an enduring symbol of our remembrance, and this year is particularly important as we commemorate the centenary of World War One.”