A GROUP that has supported ex-naval servicemen for over 30 years is to close at the end of the month.

Despite countless appeals for new members to help swell the ranks, the Dursley and District Branch of the Royal Naval Association (RNA) is to be formally decommissioned.

Last year the group made an appeal for more ex-naval servicemen and women to join but when numbers dropped to less than 10 the decision was taken to close.

Charles Strauss, honorary secretary for the branch, said: "Unfortunately our efforts have not been successful.

"I’m afraid it is endemic for a lot of ex-servicemen organisations and charities – people aren’t interested."

The RNA is a national charity with 355 branches across the UK.

The Dursley and district branch began in October 1981.

During the last 30 years the group’s members, many of whom are ex-servicemen and women, have spent hours fundraising thousands of pounds to support fellow ex-naval service personnel.

The branch has also supported other local charities that are connected with or work with ex-naval personnel like the Cotswold Care Hospice and the Queen Alexandra Hospital Home.

The hospital in West Sussex provides nursing and rehabilitation care for physically disabled ex-servicemen.

To mark the decommissioning of the Dursley and District RNA Branch a special service is being held at St James’ Church, Dursley, on Sunday, July 22 (12pm) where the group’s standard will be laid up and hung in the church where it will stay.

All serving and ex-members of the HM Naval Forces are welcome to attend the service.

Remaining members of the Dursley branch have been given the opportunity to join neighbouring groups.

For more information about the RNA visit www.royal-naval-association.co.uk