Royal British Legion (RBL) member Darren Kelly has just been named as the chairman of Okehampton’s branch of the Royal British Legion.

The branch was in danger of closing due to unfilled vacancies, but Mr Kelly, pictured right, saved the day when he put himself forward for the position of chairman at last week’s RBL meeting.

Mr Kelly said: ’I have had an affiliation with the club for years. I’ve always had good memories with the club. I thought I would go along to the [RBL] meeting and when I listened to the problem, I stood up and offered myself as chairman.’

Mr Kelly’s confirmation as chairman of the RBL will ensure that the Okehampton branch will will not close, something residents feared would happen.

Now, Mr Kelly plans to get the club active again following recent quiet times. ’I realise it’s going to be a challenge. The branch is struggling a bit. There’s a lot to do,’ he said.

One of his first challenges is to encourage members to attend this coming Remembrance Sunday’s parade in Okehampton.

’At the moment there are no members who will be at the parade,’ he said.

The Royal British Legion was established in 1921 to support members of all of Britain’s armed forces, veterans and their families in the wake of the First World War and it celebrated its 100th birthday in May this year.

Today, it helps service personnel with their physical and mental health and employment and finances, provides connections with other members of the armed forces and organises the Poppy Appeal.

Okehampton’s RBL members normally meet on the first Monday of every month at 7.30pm at the Branch and Social Club on Station Road..

The club is open to anyone whether service personnel or not.

More information can be found at www. branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/okehampton.