OLD soldiers are battling to keep the Leigh branch of the Royal British Legion alive.

As the organisation, founded in 1921, celebrates 80 years of active service, the Leigh committee is appealing for new blood.

It is seeking to swell membership numbers which have dwindled since the closure of the Windermere Road club 15 months ago.

The sad war heroes locked up and moved out immediately after the Remembrance Day parade 2000 and have since met monthly at Leigh Conservative Club.

But only four committee members are keeping the work to help safeguard the welfare, interests and memory of those who have served in the armed forces going.

Proud of the RBL's proud record of helping ex-service men and women Leigh branch president John Corbett said: "It is important to support us, people go to war for their country to fight for freedom.

"We could really do with more members and committee members to keep the Legion in Leigh going for the sake of the service men and women we help.

"Some committeemen have dropped out because they wanted club premises of their own, but the Conservative Club has been really good to us in our time of need.

"We would be delighted to welcome any ex-servicemen to our meetings there on the first Tuesday of each month.

"It has been a difficult time but we shall continue to do our best to raise money through the annual poppy appeal once again this year."

They provide support and financial help to people who have served and who are serving in the armed forces and their families.

But only half the money they need comes from poppy sales, the rest is raised by donations, legacies, charity events and sponsorship.

Anyone interested in joining the Leigh committee or willing to support the RBL should contact John Kelly on 673397.