A MOVING tribute was paid to the Queen Mother by Bewdley members of the Royal British Legion Women's Section, which she served as president for 78 years.

The town branch's planned 25th anniversary service for the laying up of the old standard and dedication of the new standard was extended to mark the death of the well-loved Royal.

Canons Hazel Hughes and John Champion conducted the service at All Saints Church in Wribbenhall on Sunday afternoon.

The parade to the church from the Wagon and Horses pub was led in bright sunshine by the Wyre Forest RBL Youth Band, with the Bewdley standard accompanied by the county standard and others from across Worcestershire, all carrying black drapes.

County standard-bearer Emma Kersey, who took part on Sunday, was called for duty at the Cenotaph for the Queen Mother's procession from Queen's Chapel to Westminster Hall.

Emma, along with Bewdley branch standard-bearer Karen Styles, has also been chosen to represent the county at the Queen's Golden Jubilee Parade in London on Tuesday, June 4.

Also present on Sunday was the national RBL Women's Section chairman Maureen Cole, who helped Bewdley branch chairman Hazel Rhoden cut the 25th anniversary cake.

Monica Powell, spokeswoman for the county group, said: "It was a most memorable moment when the act of homage and silent tribute was made in memory of the Queen Mother, who was our national president for 78 years."