AT a presentation at the Rope and Anchor in Atherton the Atherton branch of the Royal Naval Association bade farewell to founder member shipmate Frank Wilson and his wife, Doreen, who have retired to Spain.

President Bernard Leaver is pictured (left) with Frank and Doreen to whom he presented a crystal glass decanter set on behalf of the branch.

Frank has held various posts and been standard bearer since helping set-up the branch 19 years ago and in 1998 was made a life member of the RNA.

He served with the engineering branch of the Royal Navy in the Far East, Borneo and the Mediterranean on board HMS Lock Killisport, Eastbourne and Hardy.

A former marathon runner he completed 27 events including five London runs and before taking early retirement worked for Northern Aviation Services at Manchester Airport.

The Atherton branch of the RNA now meets the second Thursday of each month at Greenfields Private Members Club, Westhoughton.