THE search is on for former Royal Marines of the 718 squadron who are thought to be living in West Devon.

Fred Weaving is on the look out for his former colleagues in order for them to attend a 50-year re-union in Exmouth from March 27 to 29.

The marines are thought to be living throughout the UK and also in Spain and Australia. Fred has been organising the reunion in association with Forces Reunited, the leading armed forces community on the web, and is looking forward to seeing old friends.

He said: 'I'm looking for members of the 718 squad who would have joined in either March or April 1959. Many of us served for over nine years and we developed close friendships over that time.

'This is the 50th year re-union and it would be wonderful if we could have as many members as possible attending. While some of us are walking better than others, we are all getting on in years but when we all get together it seems like only yesterday that we joined up!'

In particular, Fred is trying to locate the following members of 718 Squad: RM18437 Dean from Runcorn in Cheshire; RM18451 Stevenson, Grimsby; RM18475 Dorans, Scotland; RM18424 Reilly, Launceston; RM18435 Crussell, London; RM18458 Ernist Worthington, Halifax; RM18471 Rudd, Norfolk; RM18476 Hardie, Scotland; RM18469 Maddock, Midlands; RM18462 Barnes, from Rushden.

The former Marines will visit the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone on Friday, March 27 before enjoying a celebratory dinner and a stay in the Ashton Court Hotel, Exmouth, for the weekend.

If you or someone you know is interested in attending the re-union, or if they know the people Fred is looking for, visit the re-union section on http://www.forcesreunited.org.uk">www.forcesreunited.org.uk