ELLESMERE will mark 100 years of the Royal British Legion at a ceremony this weekend.
On Sunday, members of the Ellesmere and District Branch of the RBL will be joined by civic leaders for a church service commemorating the movement's centenary.
It was 100 years ago, on May 15, 1921, that the Legion was founded through the merger of four rival armed forces organisations that had been set up nationally to care for those who had suffered as a result of service the First World War, which had ended three years earlier
The Vicar of Ellesmere, the Reverend Pat Hawkins will conduct the service at St Mary's parish church, starting at 10.15am.
The Mayor of Ellesmere, Councillor Paul Goulbourne will attend, together with other representatives of the town council, the Army Cadets and local Guides, Scouts and Brownies.
Ellesmere branch chairman of the RBL Bob McBride and county chairman Ian Williams will speak about the organisation's history and its continuing role in providing help and support to members of the armed forces, ex-service personnel and their families
"The legion holds a special place in the nation's heart," said Mr McBride.
"This service affords an opportunity to give thanks for all its work, reflect on its proud history and recognise its achievements in raising money through the Poppy Appeal and its special role as the custodian of remembrance."
As numbers in the church continue to be restricted, anyone wishing to attend the service is asked to contact the Vicar on 01691 622571 or Bob McBride on 01691 622359.
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