THE Bere Alston branch of the Royal British Legion, along with its fellow branches in Tavistock and Lamerton, is on a 'recruitment drive' to swell its ranks.

The appeal comes at the time of the 90th anniversary of Armistice Day, November 11, 1918 — the day that marked the end of the First World War.

The Great War cost more than three million casualities, including 658,705 British and Commonwealth dead.

Three years later the Royal British Legion was formed to care and support those who had suffered as a result of serving in the armed forces during the war.

Britain has endured many wars and conflicts since then, including the Second World War, Korea, the Falklands, the Gulf Wars and currently have troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Ninety years later the RBL still exists for ex-service men and women and their dependents — during the past year alone its members in Devon have backed those in need with £700,000 in help.

Peter York, the chairman of the Bere Alston branch of the RBL, said: 'The mainstay of the legion in the past has been ex-servicemen and women.

'A lot of the old brigade has now passed on. The Armed Forces have diminished in size and we are no longer getting the number of servicemen and women joining the legion.

'Consequently over the years, a large of number of branches have closed down, all over the country. A lot of the branches which have closed have been in rural areas.

'We have to stop this decline otherwise we will not be able continue to carry on supporting those who need our help.'

Mr York said that as long as people are more than 18 years of age, they no longer have to have served in the Armed Forces to become a member of the Royal British Legion.

'In the local area, we have three branches - Bere Alston, Tavistock and Lamerton, where you will be made welcome.

'Do come along and join us and help us continue with the work that was started all those years ago.

'Please give generously on this years Poppy Appeal — our ex-servicemen and women and their dependents still need your support.'

For information about joining the RBL, call Peter York on 01822 840644.