Poppy Appeal supporters in Oxfordshire look set to smash last year’s fundraising total.

So far £422,710.90 has been raised in the county since September, and there is still another six months to go.

The figure is just £13,000 less than was raised in the whole of 2009’s appeal.

Last night Royal British Legion staff said they expected to raise “significantly more this year”, with a series of fundraising celebrations planned to mark the organisation’s 90th birthday.

Volunteers braved the cold in November to sell the iconic poppies in high streets across the county.

County manager Linda Flecknell paid tribute to donors across Oxfordshire. She said: “The generosity has been truly amazing once again.

“During this momentous year, the legion aims to raise £90 million to provide vital welfare and support to current and ex-service personnel and their families.

“The legion would not be able to deliver its vital work without consistent public support from the people of Oxfordshire over the past 90 years.”

In October Poppy Appeal organisers called on Oxfordshire residents to defy the economic climate and help raise more than £500,000.

Community fundraiser Louise Sherwood said they expect to beat last year’s amount of £435,114.

She said: “At this stage in the game Oxfordshire is only £13,000 or so away from last year’s complete total, which would indicate that November’s appeal is showing to be another bumper year as the figures are up on this time last year.

“We fully expect to raise significantly more this year because of all the events planned for the 90th birthday celebrations.

“It is a fantastic amount which shows the amazing generosity of people living in the county.”

Jim Lewendon, branch secretary of Marston Royal British Legion, raised £1,765 from his usual spot outside Carfax, Oxford, in November.

He said: “It’s an amazing total for the county to achieve. People in Oxfordshire always dig deep and it’s wonderful to see they have donated even more this year and it’s wonderful to see they have donated even more this year.”

Personnel at RAF Benson helped launch the appeal in October.

Spokesman Nikki Hamilton said: “RAF Benson was honoured to be able to help with the launch of the Poppy Appeal in 2010.

“The appeal really is something that has a far-reaching effect, including on our families at RAF Benson.”

To mark the birthday celebrations, the British Legion is holding the Great Poppy Party Weekend on June 10, 11 and 12.

Parties are expected to take place in towns and villages across Britain, and revellers will stand and raise a glass at 4pm on June 12 as part of a national toast to the service.

Organisers said it would be “a simple way of acknowledging the wonderful work undertaken by the Royal British Legion”.