ROYAL British Legion members across Wyre Forest are commemorating 80 years of success while marking Stourport's role as a founder group.

The Stourport and district branch was among the first in Britain to be launched in 1921 and its members have a proud place in history as they celebrate its 80th anniversary this year. County Royal British Legion chairman Ken Draper reflects on times past with a collection of wartime memorabilia.

The legion has a 10,000-strong membership in Worcestershire alone, and while those at the Stourport club, based in Lichfield Street, are proud of its image, they are keen to show the large variety of "unknown" ways it helps dependants adjust to life in "Civvy Street".

County RBL chairman Ken Draper, of Kidderminster, said: "Unfortunately the legion is too often seen as a bunch of old codgers sitting in a smokey pub discussing the last war.

"Jack Duckworth in Coronation Street says he is 'going down the legion for a pint', but while the social side is very important, the legion does much, much more."

He added: "We arrange convalescent breaks, take relatives on visits to war graves and also provide start-up loans for members looking to launch their own businesses.

"Five years ago we fought a successful campaign to get the two minutes silence brought back throughout the Commonwealth, and we helped secure £10,000 compensation from the Govern-ment for many former Japanese prisoners of war."

The British Legion was founded in 1921 when Tom Lister, a Lance Bombardier from the First World War, got together with some of his unemployed friends in Lancashire to raise funds for struggling fellow ex-servicemen.

Politicians encouraged Mr Lister to bring similar groups together, and the British Legion was formed with Earl Haig as its first president.

It was granted a Royal Charter by King George V and became "Royal" on its golden anniversary in 1971.

The poppy appeal has raised millions to help ex-servicemen and women and their families since its launch on November 11, 1921, and last year raised a record £20 million.

Mr Draper added: "There is a still a large need for our services. Soldiers, sailors and airmen have died in Palestine, Malaya, Korea, Cyprus, Northern Ireland, and during the Gulf and Falklands wars, while some troops are still serving in the world's hottest trouble-spots.

"Indeed, we see another 80 years' work ahead of us!"

Legion members have organised a 40s night in a bid to take the Stourport Poppy Appeal 2000 fund-raising above £6,000.

The evening, which will feature armoured vehicles and a buffet, takes place at the Lichfield Street club on Saturday, May 12 from 7.30pm.

Further details are available from Janet Stevens on 01299 828817.