REINFORCEMENTS have given Royal British Legion members in Stourport the chance to relax in style when their newly refurbished lounge is opened officially on Friday.

Officials at the club, in Lichfield Street, have been able to spend £16,000 on improvements, including new carpets, seating and a sound system because of a booming membership.

"A lot of Legion clubs have found their membership is dying off but we have had 60 new members in the last 12 months to bring our numbers up to 270," said secretary, Mike Freeman.

"People are often under the impression you have to have been in the forces to join.

"Most people joining now are associate members who haven't been in the forces," he added.

The Legion has spent three years making improvements to the building, which also has a snooker room and a function area.

Stourport Mayor, Councillor Allan Wood, will carry out the official opening of the lounge on Friday evening.