MEMBERS of the Ellesmere and District branch of the Royal British Legion took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the town's War Memorial on Saturday to mark the movement's centenary.

A poppy wreath was laid by the Legion's county chairman and branch president Ian Williams – who is based in Ellesmere – accompanied by the Mayor and Mayoress of Ellesmere, Councillor and Mrs Paul Goulbourne.

The Vicar of Ellesmere, the Rev Pat Hawkins, led prayers, following two-minutes' silence.

A spokesman said: "Similar services were held by Legion branches across Shropshire and and other parts of the UK.

"The Legion was formed in 1921 to support servicemen and their families who served in the First World War, which had ended three years earlier.

"The Legion's vital work, funded by the Poppy Appeal continues to help thousands of members of the armed forces, veterans and families by providing financial, welfare and emotional support to those in need."