THE new chairman of Upton Royal British Legion has issued an appeal for more ex-servicemen and woman to join the group.

Betty Williams became the first female chairman in the organisation's 55-year history when she succeeded Wally Hampton at a meeting earlier this month (October 9).

It is not the only notable first for Mrs Williams. She was the first female chairman of what was then Upton-upon-Severn Parish Council in 1989, and was also the first ever chairman of Malvern Hills District Council in 1998.

Mrs Williams said she wanted to swell the ranks of the group and has appealed for people who have fought for their country to come to the Legion's meetings.

"I would like very much to see other people join the legion," she said.

"A lot of the people who are there are old soldiers from the two world wars.

"However, there are so many who have fought in armed conflicts like the Korean War and the Gulf War since then and I would like to see some of them."

Anyone wanting more information should call at 43 Old Street or go along to A RBL meeting, which at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of every month at Upton Social Club.