A Wimbledon marine who benefited from the hard work of a 103-year-old poppy seller has thanked her amidst news she is retiring.

Rosemary Powell helped her mother sell poppies on Richmond Bridge for the Royal British Legion's first Poppy Appeal in 1921 when aged six and has continued to do so for the 97 years since.

The great-grandmother is now planning to hang up her collection tin and hand over to a new generation of fundraisers as she is "getting old."

"I sold poppies last year, maybe not as enthusiastically as previous years, but this year will probably be my last year of selling. I'm getting old now.

"Ever since the age of six, I've been selling poppies and I remember it all so well. Collecting has kept me going all these years."

To mark her retirement, Mrs Powell met former Royal Marine Nick Fleming - who benefited from her fundraising efforts after being medically discharged last year due to a leg injury.

"I struggle to even comprehend just how many years Rosemary has dedicated to the charity," the 28-year-old from Wimbledon, who now works as an advice and information officer for the Legion, said.

"I know of countless people both from my military career - and recently in my role now with the Legion, who have benefited from the money and support that people like Rosemary have generated."

Giles Powell, the son of Mrs Powell, said his mother had announced that she was retiring this year to mark national Volunteers Week.

"I am incredibly proud of her achievements over the years. It really is quite staggering," he said.

"Mum has led a fascinating life and now it's time, poignantly during national Volunteers Week, for her to hang up her collecting tin and encourage the public to volunteer their time to the Legion which is a fantastic cause."