Fears Royal British Legion branch may have to fold

Members of Lutterworth's Royal British Legion (RBL) branch have an average age of more than 70

A double plea is being made by a branch of the Royal British Legion amid fears it may fold.

As well as asking for the public to support this autumn's Poppy Appeal, the Lutterworth group in Leicestershire is also appealing for people to join the branch.

The town's branch has an average age of more than 70 years old, and while there are about 40 members, only a dozen are able to be active.

The Royal British Legion has had a branch in the town for more than 100 years, but some fear its days are now numbered.

Branch secretary Sheila Phillips said: "We're struggling to encourage new members - we've only got about 12 active members.

"We'd love to do more events, get the community involved, but we haven't got the membership and we're too old to do it on our own."

Branch chairman Pete Warne added: "It used to be very, very active, over 150 members, and it was thriving.

"We had our own club, a youth section, a ladies section, a band - but that's all gone."

The branch has strong links with Lutterworth Town Football Club

The branch now meets at Lutterworth Town Football Club, which is supportive of the group's activities.

The club had free entry for veterans at its recent United Counties League Cup tie with Hinckley, and provided them with free hot drinks.

A club spokesperson said: "It's really important that we recognise the sacrifices that people in the community have made for the country.

"We're trying to help our Lutterworth branch do some fundraising to help and support local veterans."

Despite the support, the future for the branch is uncertain.

Lutterworth branch president Dick Stilgoe said: "It is important that we've got a branch here.

"It's a centre that people can come and ask questions, and we can do things for veterans, that's what we're all about."

Ms Phillips added: "A majority of us are veterans ourselves, but you don't have to be one to join the British legion.

"You just have to be willing and able to help. Our forces fought so that we can stand here today.

"They deserve to be looked after."