THE annual meeting of the Okehampton branch of the Royal British Legion will be held next month.

The meeting is open to branch members only and members are urged to attend and show their continued support of the legion, whose membership has been steadily declining in recent years.

Membership of the RBL is open to all and service in the armed forces is not necessary.

The branch looks for a strong interest in helping with the pursuit of the legion's aims and objectives, to include providing welfare assistance to both current and former service personnel and their dependants.

An ever-increasing number of veterans of recent conflicts, including the current operations in Afghanistan, are experiencing welfare and health difficulties, which have a direct impact on the legion's resources.

The Legion has stressed it is essential it maintains a high public profile and encourages public awareness of the help it provides to the men and women who serve their country so unselfishly.

Members wishing to table items for consideration at the meeting should submit the motion in writing to the secretary by no later than Thursday, November 12.

The meeting will be held on Monday November 16 at 8pm in the RBL Social Club, Okehampton.