A ROYAL British Legion (RBL) branch is launching a new breakfast club which is due to start this weekend.

The RBL Beaminster Branch is starting up a Breakfast Club with the first gathering taking place at The Greyhound, Beaminster on Saturday, December 4 at 10.30am.

The branch is inviting all serving or retired members of the Armed Forces and their families, as well as any members of the RBL and their families.

A spokesman for the branch said: "We are looking forward to meeting any serving or retired members of the Armed Forces and any members of the Royal British Legion. So please come along and bring your families.

"It will be a great opportunity to meet up with old friends, make new ones and enjoy one of The Greyhounds delicious breakfast meals.

"A varied menu will be available to purchase and a raffle will take place in aid of RBL Beaminster Branch funds. "

The RBL is active across the county with approximately 8,400 Legion members, with the RBL branch in Blandford being just one of 30 branches, which are supported by 15 RBL Clubs.

Ian Jarvis, Dorset County Chairman of the Royal British Legion, said: “The branches in Dorset are key focal points for social and remembrance activity as the county pays tribute to those who have served and sacrificed on our behalf. In addition, local branches raise vital money to ensure that the Royal British Legion can continue its work providing life-long support to serving personnel, veterans and their families.

"We are grateful for the support of everyone who is associated with their local RBL branch and would encourage anyone who is thinking of getting involved to find out more at www.rbl.org.uk/branches”

The charity was formed in the aftermath of the First World War to fight for the rights of those who had given so much and come back to so little. Today, the RBL continues to provide life-changing help and support to the Armed Forces community and challenge injustices on their behalf.

This year, we at the Dorset Echo are appealing to our readers to donate to the RBL by visiting dorsetecho.co.uk/RBL or sending a cheque payable to Dorset Echo in an envelope clearly marked ‘RBL donation’ and mailing it to Dorset Echo, Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 9XD.