THE ASHTON and District Branch of the Royal British Legion is celebrating its centenary this year, and commemorated veterans of the past 100 years at a recent dinner in Haydock.

Taking place at the Mercure Hotel on Saturday, August 14, the dinner marked the special occasion to honour the brave veterans from Ashton, Billinge, Garswood, Haydock, Newton and St Helens over the past century.

With 145 guests in attendance, along with guest speakers and entertainment, the event was heralded as a great success by branch chairman John Burn.

St Helens Star: John with one the veteran speakers at the eventJohn with one the veteran speakers at the event

John, 74, said: "It was a celebration of our branch's centenary, but also a way to get together now that we can and say thank you to our sponsors who allow us to keep going with their support."

John, from Haydock, has served in the forces in Northern Ireland, Germany, Kenya and the Middle East, and said the event was "all about the veterans", their families and their sacrifices.

Special guests Andy Reid, 99-year-old Gerald Anders and 95-year-old Lawrence Powers were said to give very moving speeches which commemorated veterans and highlighted their sacrifices.

St Helens Star: The event included guest speakers, raffles and entertainmentThe event included guest speakers, raffles and entertainment

In addition to this, over £1200 was raised through raffles and auctions at the event, which will be funnelled back into the branch to ensure it can continue operating and keep these events going.

After delaying the event twice due to covid regulations, John explained it was great to see all the branch members and their families once again, who he describes as a "tight-knit community that have been together a number of years".

Moving forward, there are plans for a memorial night to celebrate the lives of lost branch members who have died recently, as well as the collection of photographs which span the 100 years of the branch.