A TREE was planted in Bathurst Park, Lydney to mark the 90th anniversary of the town's branch of the Royal British Legion.

The small leaf lime, planted by branch chairman Mel Rudge and Mayor of Lydney Cllr Bob Berryman, was grown in Newent by Mr Barry Wellington.

A commemorative plaque for the tree was donated by local funeral directors Ernest Heal.

Mr Rudge said: "We felt it right to pay our respects to our forebears who started it off.

"Our forebears who formed the branch in Lydney were very forward thinking and did a lot of good for ex-servicemen in Lydney at that time.

"People who have carried on in their place and become officers and members of the committee have continued with the hard work that was started by the first members.

"My present committee is as hard working as the original group – especially the welfare team who have done some wonderful work.

"I know the Lydney welfare team is considered one of the best in Gloucestershire."

The tree was blessed by Rev Pat Cox who said it would be "a reminder of those over the past 90 years who have worked tirelessly to carry out the purposes of the Royal British Legion – that is the welfare of the serving and the ex-service community and their families."

As well as members and officers of the Lydney branch of the British Legion, cadets from the town's air cadet squadron and veterans of the Gloucestershire Regiment also attended.

Cadet Rebecca Jessop sounded The Last Post on the cornet and the standard bearers were David and Emma Rudge and Cadet Warrant Officer Chris Bird.

The Legion branch, in conjunction with Lydney Town Council, is organising an event to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.

Children will leave Bream on board Stagecoach's "poppy bus" to the Dean Forest Railway's Norchard Centre where they will take a train decorated with a giant poppy to Lydney.

A parade of air and sea cadets will start a parade from Newerne Street at 2.15pm and VIPs will take a vintage bus from Lydney bus station to St Mary's Church for a commemorative service at 2.25pm.

There will also be a exhibition of First World War memorabilia and the Legion is appealing for items for it. Anyone who is prepared to loan artefacts should contact Ian Hendy on 01594 563290.