Dwindling numbers could force the closure of a Royal British Legion branch - just weeks before the centenary of the end of the First World War.

Marden's group is launching an emergency recruitment drive for new members in a last-ditch bid for a revival.

It currently has 36 people signed up, and could be forced to call it a day if that does not improve.

Colin Fry, vice chairman, and his wife Tracey are keen to boost the numbers.

The 65-year-old said: “One hundred years on and it seems to be a sad ending.

“It is a good cause. We are thoroughly in awe of it and given it a lot of our time but it is time for somebody else to pick up the baton.

“We have struggled recently because out current chairman Roger Hammond has had to step down because he is unwell.

“This is a shame because he holds a great passion being a military man himself but he can no longer continue.

“My wife is the Poppy Appeal administrator and after nine or 10 years she wants to spend a bit more time at home.”

Mr Fry has handed out flyers to alert potential new members to a recruitment evening at the West End Tavern on Tuesday, October 2, from 7pm.

He said: “It would be nice to have around 50 or 60.

“The more people the more enjoyable it is.”