THE Breckland branch of SSAFA FH - Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen Families Association Forces Help - contributed to its first national collection day by raising �250 through running a stall in the Co-op at Watton.

THE Breckland branch of SSAFA FH - Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen Families Association Forces Help - contributed to its first national collection day by raising �250 through running a stall in the Co-op at Watton.

SSAFA FH caseworker Bonnie Robertson thanked the public who gave donations and the band of volunteers who stood in the store's doorway with their collecting boxes.

'Please be assured that all the money collected in Watton and other places in Norfolk will stay in the county to help SSAFA cases,' said Ms Robertson.

Ms Robertson explained that it was on February 13, 1885 that Major Gildeafounded SSAFA to help families of servicemen who had left to go on the Egyptian Expeditionary Force.

The organisation is entirely self-funding including legacies, gift aid and trust funds. It relies entirely upon donations and has done so for all of its 125 years.

There are branches at home and abroad; there are volunteers from all walks of life including serving men and women.

The families of service personnel are well supported by social workers seconded to the Units and to SSAFA to help with any crisis which may occur within the family.

Similarly, servicemen and women who may have financial problems or difficulty in adjusting to life after battle or just need someone to talk to can come to SSAFA and talk about any problems or concerns they may have.