IN ITS 90th year the Royal British Legion in Wotton-under-Edge is trying to raise awareness of the charity and the work it does.

The RBL nationally is celebrating its 90th birthday, but the Wotton branch was set up in the same year and is the joint oldest branch in Gloucestershire along with Stroud.

Its members are keen to promote their presence after some people mistakenly thought the branch had disbanded when the legion club closed around five years ago.

Yet the branch is as strong as ever and last year collected £8,000 for the Poppy Appeal.

"There is still a British Legion in Wotton and we are thriving, we want people to know that," said Sheila Sainsbury, chairman of the legion and treasurer of the women’s section.

Richard Arnold, treasurer of the branch, whose son is a pilot and recently flew out to Afghanistan, she he felt there were many misconceptions about what the RBL does and how people can get involved.

"People think that you have to have been in the forces to join or volunteer for the RBL, and that is not the case, we welcome everyone.

"People also don’t realise how much we do, we don’t just help veterans we help service forces, we help the wives or husbands and families of serving men and women."

Unlike Help for Heroes which deals with only injured soldiers the RBL helps in numerous ways, from fitting stairlifts in homes and funding holidays for bereaved children to working with former soldiers in prison and supporting war widows.

"Our work is incredibly diverse, the RBL nationally gives away around £1.25 million in welfare a week," added Richard.

"We would really like to get younger people involved with the legion."

To celebrate the 90th anniversary the Wotton branch is hosting a gala evening on Friday, September 23, from 7.30pm at the Civic Centre. Tickets are £12 and include a fashion show, a buffet supper, dance and music from Time 2 Dance.

For tickets contact Sheila Saisbury on 01453 842427.