THE Royal British Legion branch in Okehampton is looking to gain support from local people in order to save its social club.

The small Royal British Legion club, which is run by volunteers in Okehampton, is looking to raise money through crowdfunding as well as gain the support of new members in order to keep the club open and trading.

Located on Station Road, a central part of the town, the community-oriented establishment serves former and current servicemen and women, as well as members of the public.

Recently, the club launched a new darts team and is planning to host more events, including a karaoke night, in order to boost the amount of people using the club.

Lisa Fortune, who volunteers at the social club, said: ‘At the Legion we’ve recently set up a couple of darts teams and we have also started hosting live music events once a week.

‘We are looking to fundraise money in order to make vital repairs to the club, including fixing the roof, making improvements to the toilets as well as the decor.

‘In the new year, as well as fundraising we will be looking for volunteers to help carry out some of the much needed work that needs doing to the social club. We are also also looking for new members to join.’

Membership of the Royal British Legion is open to all; service in the Armed Forces is not a a necessity. All that is needed is a strong interest in helping with the pursuit of the Legion’s aims to provide welfare assistance to both current and former service personnel and their dependants.

Unfortunately, there is an on-going need for the British Legion to provide welfare assistance to an increasing number of veterans, especially those experiencing health problems, both physical and mental.

This help has a direct impact on the Legion’s funds and resources.

It is essential, therefore, that the Legion enhances public awareness of the help it provides to the men and women who serve, and have served, their country so unselfishly.

If you wish to help save the British Legion social club in Okehampton then you can donate via its JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/OkehamptonRoyalBritishLegion