Guernsey's Royal British Legion president retires

The president of Guernsey's Royal British Legion has retired from his role after more than 40 years' involvement with the association.

More than 100 people, including the island's lieutenant governor, attended an event at the Roquettes Hotel to thank Maj Bob Place MBE, who took up the presidency in 2015.

Maj Place said: "I invited everyone because it's more a thank you to them. Over the last 20-odd years, all of them in some way or other have actually supported me, and supported the legion and the island."

Army veteran, Ben Rowe, has taken over as president and said he was proud and nervous to be taking on the new position. "To help veterans in their time of need is amazing," he said.

"It's what we all do, that's why we all join the legion - to either receive help or give help so I'm in a position where we can help," Mr Rowe added.

Ben Rowe is taking over Maj Bob Place's role as president

Chris Welsby, president of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Merchant Navy Association in Guernsey, paid tribute to Maj Place: "He's supported everybody through this and it's only right we celebrate his achievements."

He added: "It's a recognition of not only his serving career, but his absolute steadfast approach to promoting the Royal British Legion. Promoting support."

He said Maj Place was also known for "supporting the mental health awareness of veterans; and just getting the awareness out in our communities".