THERE were celebrations on Thursday when members of the women's section of the Royal British Legion Yelverton gathered at the village's memorial hall to mark the 85th birthday of the branch.

Officers of the county branch of the women's section, president Sue Stevens, chairman Jean Bowden and secretary Theresa Panizzi joined the ladies in an afternoon tea.

Despite dwindling membership — its sister branch at Tavistock branch reluctantly had to close recently — the 10 members of the Yelverton branch are determined to continue.

The branch has definitely been punching above its weight for its size — having, with the help of its friends at the Plymouth Drake branch, raised £5,000 last year for the Poppy Appeal and a further £2,000 for the work of the women's section.

Through tea dances, car boot sales, garden parties, raffles and a regular Wednesday stall at Tavistock Pannier Market, the women raise money to help provide financial, social and emotional support to those men and women who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces, and their dependants.

Maureen Wilkinson, the Yelverton branch's secretary and standard bearer, said: 'We are very, very active and not just a bunch of old ladies who sit around and do nothing but chat. We have a lot of fun and know how to enjoy ourselves and at the same time have a serious side to raise money for our charities.

'The lovely thing here is that you make and always have friends who you can rely on for anything.

'They're a lovely bunch, we are very lucky. So if there are any ladies out there who would like to join us, please please do. They will enjoy a warm welcome.'

Her words were echoed by county president Sue Stevens, who said: 'The women at Yelverton really work hard and as a small branch they have done extremely well.

'As an organisation we are looking for young people to come and join us. There's a great spirit among the members of the Yelverton branch and I know any new member would receive a great welcome.'

The county presented the branch with a special certificate to mark its birthday.

The ladies raised a toast to the branch, the county women's section and remembered founder member Winnie Thomas, a driving force at the Yelverton branch for many years, who died two years ago.

Branch chairman Lana Griffiths and treasurer Chrissie Goodwin typified the resolve of fellow members when they said there was 'no way the branch was going to close.

'I'm looking forward to celebrating our 90th birthday!' said Chrissie.

Any women with a connection to the Armed Forces who would like to join the branch should contact Maureen Wilkinson on 01822 616009 or Lana Griffiths on 01822 853629.