A young Ballyclare girl who raised almost £600 for this year's Poppy Appeal has been recognised by the Royal British Legion for her outstanding efforts.

Abigail Hume was presented with a branch Certificate of Appreciation by HM Vice Lord-Lieutenant for County Antrim, Mrs Miranda Gordon DL, on behalf of Ballyclare Branch during Remembrance Sunday commemorations.

The presentation followed a busy and successful week of remembrance activities organised by the branch.

In partnership with the United Parish of Ballyclare, the branch helped deliver the Ballyclare Remembers exhibition at St John's Church. The exhibition featured historical displays, memorabilia, guest speakers, school visits and interactive exhibits, helping to tell the stories of those affected by conflict while educating a new generation about the importance of remembrance.

Poppy Appeal fundraiser Abigail Hume is presented with a branch Certificate of Appreciation by HM Vice Lord-Lieutenant for County Antrim, Mrs Miranda Gordon DL, on behalf of Ballyclare RBL branch.

placeholder image — Poppy Appeal fundraiser Abigail Hume is presented with a branch Certificate of Appreciation by HM Vice Lord-Lieutenant for County Antrim, Mrs Miranda Gordon DL, on behalf of Ballyclare RBL branch.

The branch also hosted a Veterans' Breakfast, bringing veterans and supporters together ahead of Remembrance Sunday and providing an opportunity for friendship, conversation and reflection.

Remembrance Sunday itself saw large crowds gather in Ballyclare for the annual parade and Act of Remembrance, with strong support from local schools, community organisations, veterans and elected representatives.

In total, 68 wreaths and 43 crosses were laid at Ballyclare War Memorial, providing a powerful demonstration of the community's commitment to remembering those who served and sacrificed.

Christmas switch-on events across Antrim and Newtownabbey

Abigail Hume presents her cheque for almost £600 for this year's Poppy Appeal to representatives of Ballyclare RBL branch.

Following the commemorations, Ballyclare branch chairman Dennis Chirgwin made a presentation to Ballyclare Memorial Flute Band to mark the band becoming the branch's official parade band. In return, the band presented the branch with a token of partnership, received by Mr Chirgwin on behalf of the branch, recognising the strong relationship between the two organisations.

Branch representatives praised Abigail's fundraising achievement and thanked the wider community for its support throughout the remembrance period, highlighting the success of the Ballyclare Remembers exhibition, Veterans' Breakfast and Remembrance Sunday events.

A focal point for this year’s remembrance activities was a striking knitted poppy fall at St John’s Church on the Doagh Road.

What started as a simple idea during the installation of the Ballyclare branch Royal British Legion's chaplain grew into an ambitious community-wide act of remembrance.

Ballyclare RBL branch Chairman Dennis Chirgwin makes a presentation to Ballyclare Memorial Flute Band representatives to mark the band becoming the branch's official parade band.

The project brought people together while honouring those who served and sacrificed, with support from far beyond the town. Knitting groups from across Northern Ireland, alongside local schools, churches, community organisations and individuals, contributed handcrafted poppies which volunteers then used to create the poppy fall.