AN army of old soldiers and ex-service people are expected to gather in Penwortham next week as members of the Royal British Legion's Middleforth Branch say farewell to their standard after half a century.

Members of the Middleforth club, in Leyland Road, will be out in force on Saturday, May 6, for a parade to St Leonard's Church, in Marshalls Brow, Penwortham, at 11am.

They will march the old standard to the church, where it will be displayed during a special combined dedication service at noon, before making their way back to the club, accompanied by members of Lostock Hall Prize Band.

After returning to the club at 1.30pm there will be a buffet ahead of a special certificate presentation by the Royal British Legion, Lancashire County, in recognition of the club's work.

South Ribble MP David Borrow is expected to attend the special presentation in honour of the club's 50th anniversary.

Since forming on 18 October, 1949, the Middleforth club has helped hundreds of ex-servicemen and women in need of support and assistance.

Now they are calling on members to pledge their support and join the once-in-a-lifetime event along with dignitaries from other related organisations.

The club's president Major Harry Benson BEM said: "I would like to have all members support for this very important day which will never be seen again at this branch."

For further details call (01772) 742002.