After celebrating their 100th anniversary, the Axminster branch of the Royal British Legion nearly folded due to a decline in membership and the after-effects of COVID.

But chairman Peter Slimon and secretary and chaplain, the Reverend Geoffrey Walsh, have managed to breath new life into the ailing branch and have been rewarded for their efforts by being awarded the Devon County Crediton Cup in recognition of the support of the aims and objectives of the Royal British Legion and the of the Armed Forces Community within the area this past year.

The Reverend Walsh, announcing the award, told Nub News: "Its a very proud day for the RBL Axminster Branch."

 At the Legion Devon County Conference, county representative CPO Jo Ashkettle, received the Devon County Crediton Cup Award on behalf of the branch. Jo and her partner, branch member Lee Davis, who was attending the conference with her, are pictured receiving the trophy.

The branch has seen an increase in membership and have introduced a number of initiatives to meet more often around the town and attend local events to promote the work of the Royal British Legion which has improved the branch profile.

The Axminster branch has also established a closer working relationship with the Lyme Regis branch whose president, Philip Evans MBE, attended a recent committee meeting at the Conservative Club.

It is hoped to arrange a social skittles evening between the two branches to establish a closer working relationship as both branches face similar challenges.