The team at Burnley-based PVC-U giant VEKA were delighted to present The Royal British Legion with a cheque for £5100 - the largest amount the company has yet raised in a six-month period.

Each year, The VEKA UK Group chooses two charities to focus on for a six-month period each. In the second half of 2014, all fundraising activities were carried out in aid of The British Legion.

Head of Human Resources Gabriela Hammond explains: “We were very proud to do our bit for such a valuable cause, especially as 2014 marked 100 years since Britain entered the First World War.

“We were able to raise our biggest charity contribution (to date) via a number of events. We held a sponsored golf day, Paul Armstrong did a sponsored slim, we sold pin badges and wrist bands, we had a 'wear it red' day, Network VEKA held a collection at the AGM, a number of us took part in a 5k Poppy Run, we sold cakes, we had a Christmas jumper day and made a charity contribution instead of sending Christmas cards. We even fined the Managers for any reports that were submitted late!

“Everyone really pulled together to support the British Legion and we were thrilled to be able to present a cheque for £5100.”

This year, for the first time ever, The VEKA UK Group will be dedicating a full year's fundraising to a charity close to its heart: The Encephalitis Society.