OLD salts will say a sad farewell when the standard of the Blackburn branch of the Royal Navy Association is laid up.

Falling membership has forced the branch to close after more than 25 years .

Secretary Frank Hookham said the laying up ceremony would be a poignant moment for those who remain.

"The branch used to have 60 members but now we are down to six," said Frank. "We struggle to raise a quorum and with reluctance it has been decided to close."

The standard will be handed to the Blackburn Sea Cadet Unit for safe keeping at a Drum Head Service on Friday night.

Joe Rhodes will officially hand the standard to the Rev Len Singleton, chaplain to the Sea Cadets at the unit in Phillips Road. The ceremony will be attended by Commodore Robert Williams, from Liverpool, and the Mayor of Blackburn.