THE new chairman of the Bewdley branch of the Royal British Legion has set himself the target of raising £1,000 towards a new standard.

Colin Evans took up the position last month and said his goal was to raise the funds during the next year to replace the current 29-year-old standard.

He said: "It has had a good life. We can lay it up in the local church if we can raise the money. I know it is a big target but with the support of the members I think we can achieve it."

Mr Evans, who has been a member of the Bewdley branch for two years and held the position of vice-chairman last year, said he hoped to organise a range of fund-raising activities including raffles and tombolas to help reach his goal.

The 76-year-old, who is a retired construction industry site agent, was a leading aircraftsman with the signal section of the RAF during his national service between 1947 and 1949.

During that time he was stationed in Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon, and also served in Singapore and Malaysia.

He said he was pleased with his appointment, adding: "It is a good challenge. I am looking forward to an exciting year.

"I am looking to any ex-servicemen and also national servicemen who have not previously been members of the Royal British Legion to come along and join us."

Anyone wanting to join the branch can contact Mr Evans on 01299 402702.