Ammanford Royal British Legion Branch is facing serious risk of closure due to a shortage of members.

The branch, which formed in 1921 shortly after the Royal British Legion itself, and annual meetings were originally held in a house in Talbot Road.

The group continued to thrive over the decades and now meet once a month at Ammanford Indoor Bowls after the Legion Hall was sold off and subsequently demolished.

The branch run the town’s annual Poppy Appeal, raising £17,500 last year alone, as well as the annual remembrance service and parade.

Branch President Ken Burton told The Guardian: “The group has helped many people in the area, but we are desperately looking for people to take over the reins at the Legion.

“I have been involved in organising the remembrance parade in Ammanford since 1972 and we need these events to continue and whilst I am not ready to retire, I would be happier to take a less active part.

“Our main problem is age as members are getting older. Some have retired, and some are ready to retire so our branch is in limbo.”

“It would be good to get some more support from young volunteers.”

In order to function legally under the Royal Charter, a branch must have a four-officer committee plus at least three other members consisting of four officers, the Chairman, Vice Chairman, treasurer and Secretary plus a minimum of three other members.

At present, the branch has no chairman or secretary due to retirements.

Letters have been sent out to branch members inviting them to a general meeting on Tuesday, July 2 at the Great Western Hotel at 7pm.

The letter reads: “Your branch has been in place for many years and it would be a shame to lose this local presence of The Royal British Legion.

“Members now have the opportunity to keep the branch alive.”

Ken added: “The meeting is open to all ex-service men and women and to anyone who is interested in helping the Royal British Legion and our veteran community.

“We are going to try and save the club from going into limbo.

“It will be our century year in 2021 and it is a milestone we all would like to reach as one of the oldest organisations in the town.”

“I am encouraging people to come along to the meeting.”