CHATHAM’S Royal British Legion branch looks set to be saved - thanks to an appeal published in the Medway Messenger newspaper.

Ten people have come forward as possible new members after the paper highlighted the branch’s crisis. Members had warned that it would have to fold if key roles were not filled.

Ron Lamb, Kent County Appeals co-ordinator, said: “I am quietly confident that the branch will be saved and we would like to thank the Medway Messenger for its help. Since its article was published 10 people expressed an interest and agreed to come to a meeting.

“At the moment, we have no chairman or secretary and we can’t function without that. However, I am sure that we can now find people to fill those posts."

Attendances at Chatham meetings have dropped from more than 30 to less than 10 over the last 18 months. Branch members had last week vowed that if the group did fold it would stay together until after Remembrance Sunday on November 10.

The Royal British Legion is made up of former servicemen and members of the public, But the majority of members served in older conflicts such as the Second World War, the Korean War or National Service.

The RBL raises money and offers help and support to ex-servicemen and their families.