RNA: MEMBERS of the newly formed Pershore and District branch of The Royal Naval Association held a special service in Pershore Abbey for the dedication of their Standard.

Shipmate Arthur Young carried the furled Standard and presented it to Canon John Champion, the Chaplain, who conducted for the service on July 20, during which he unfurled the Standard during the Act of Dedication.

In his address Canon Champion spoke of the comradeship established during naval service and "the hand of friendship" which would be carried on through the association.

RNA members were joined at the service by representatives of other ex-service and pre-service organisations along with the mayor of Pershore, Councillor Richard Hampton, and mayoress, Val Wood.

Founder-member and branch chairman Ted Annis said afterwards: "We were very pleased with all the support we got. It was a big day in the short history of the branch which goes from strength to strength."