THE North Tawton branch of the Royal British Legion celebrated a special anniversary in North Tawton Town Hall.

The branch is celebrating its 90th anniversary, having been established in 1922.

Chelsea pensioner, Brian Cummings MBE, who was the guest of honour at the event, showed a film to the crowd of people who attended.

He also spoke about his work and met members from the branch, North Tawton Town Council and other organisations, including North Tawton Brownies, Guides and Rainbows.

Another guest was Ralph Howard-Williams, chairman, Devon County Committee, Royal British Legion. He and Mr Cummings were welcomed by branch president, Neil Hallam and chairman, Barry Ware.

Mr Howard-Williams presented a number of awards to long-serving Legion members and Poppy Appeal donation collectors.

Awards were: Monica Simons, 48 years; Enid Westlake, 45 years; Irene Martin, 15 years; Audrey Ruby, 15 years, Rose Dadds, 15 years; Ann Ware, 10 years; Carole Dadds, 10 years; Barry Ware, (chairman) 10 years; David Bale, (secretary), certificate for loyal service.

Mr Cummings said that he was the immediate past president of Devon RBL and had been a Chelsea pensioner for just two and half years. He lived at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, and is one of the tour guides for the hospital.

Born in Plymouth in 1932, he joined the Army in 1950, joining the Royal Corps of Signals and serving across the world.

He received his MBE for services to the Ministry of Defence as welfare officer for military families in the South West.

Mr Cummings said he was "delighted" that the Brownies, Guides and Rainbows attended the event and took part.

Monica Simons said she was secretary of the branch ladies' section and her mother had completed 50 years' service to the Royal British Legion. She said her father had been in the 8th Army (Dessert Rats).

Enid Westlake has been chairman of the ladies' branch for 45 years and was chairman of the Mid Devon group for 45 years.

Branch chairman, Barry Ware, said that while the branch was small, it had a strong, active committee, organising two trips every year, a fundraising auction and draw, a Christmas party and donates £40 a year from its own funds to widows of servicemen or women.

It also runs a "lifeline" service, where the person concerned can wear a push button necklace in case of emergency.

Mr Ware said he believed it was the oldest branch in Devon.

Two celebration cakes were cut, one by Mr Cummings, assisted by Guide Felicity Rumford (10) and one of the oldest branch members, Alfred Bolt and Brownie Lucy Quick (7).

alan-quick@crediton

couriernewspaper.co.uk