CELEBRATIONS have begun to mark the 75th anniversary of the Royal British Legion in Kidderminster - with more in the pipeline.

Wyre Forest District Council's cultural, leisure and commercial services department has created a special RBL floral display on an embankment of Kidderminster's ring road opposite St George's Park.

And a time capsule - including a copy of the Shuttle/Times and News - will be buried to mark the opening of a commemorative seat at the town's St Mary's Church next month.

The Kidderminster branch of what was then The British Legion was formed in December 1926, five years after the inception of the national organisation.

It has been based at various town pubs, the Polish Club in St George's Terrace and New Road.

The Royal British Legion, as it has been known since 1971, arranges convalescent breaks, takes relatives on visits to war graves and provides start-up loans for members planning to launch their own businesses.

Members of the Kidderminster branch will welcome Worcestershire chairman Ken Draper, who lives in the town, and county president Ralph James for the dedication of the memorial seat on Saturday, September 8.

Mr Draper was delighted with the floral display. He said: "As county chairman I am very grateful to the council for helping us to celebrate the Royal British Legion's 75th anniversary in Kidderminster."