MEMBERS of a women’s section of the Royal British Legion in Basingstoke have celebrated a milestone anniversary.

About 70 people attended the special evening at the Old Basing branch of the Royal British Legion, in Crown Lane.

A service of blessing and thanksgiving was conducted by the Rev Alexander Batty, from St Mary’s Church, in Church Lane, Old Basing.

Following the service, members of the section and their husbands made their way to the main hall, where a party with food, drink and cakes made by members Pat Down and Jean Chivers went down a treat.

The group, which formed in July 1944 and has 66 members, was then awarded a certificate to mark the landmark occasion by the president of the Hampshire Royal British Legion women’s section, Sara Jones.

Tammy Lake, president of the Old Basing Royal British Legion women’s section, said: “It was a great success and it was a wonderful evening.

“This anniversary is a big achievement in this day and age.

“There are a lot of branches that have gone but we have kept going.

“It was a lovely occasion and I was so pleased to be a part of it as I have also been a part of the 40th, 50th and 60th birthdays.”

The 74-year-old, who has been a member of the section for more than 30 years, also thanked members, adding: “It is their loyalty and support that keeps us going, and we thoroughly appreciate what they do for the Royal British Legion.”