A new branch of the Royal British Legion charity which supports veterans has opened in Failsworth after more than four decades.

The Royal British Legion (RBL), formerly the British Legion, is a British charity providing financial, social and emotional support to members and veterans of the British Armed Forces as well as their families and dependants and all others in need.

After the Failsworth branch of the RBL closed in 1978, residents have been working hard to bring it back to life.

Now, 45 years later, the branch has been reborn again with a special launch night taking place on Wednesday, February 15, at Failsworth Home Guard.

Paul Wadsworth, the Chairman of the branch who has been helping to establish meetings with the RBL since November, said was a "welcoming sight to see for the local community" and that he was "over the moon" with the generous turnout as more than 50 people attended.

Paul served for seven years having joined the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers as a teenager in 1996 where he was stationed in Germany and served in the Bosnia War and in Kosovo.

He also helps to organise other army veteran events in the borough, including a monthly veterans' breakfast club meetup which takes place at the Fairway Inn pub in New Moston.

Paul added: "It was our first official meeting in the Home Guard and we've been successful in getting 135 members already.

"Everyone enjoyed the meeting and we have a lot of ideas for fundraising events to mess dinners nights.

"It’s been 45 years since the branch closed its doors so the important thing now is how many military personnel and veterans we can help in our community is priceless.

"We have a welfare officer who will be attending mental health training and we will have funds where we can help if needed, from emergency food packages to buying white goods if needed for anyone who has fallen on hard times."

The army veteran said the branch is already planning a forecast of events and is looking at ways to expand.

A youth membership for kids may be in the works which would make it free for them to join and engage in activities.

Paul added: "Bringing the community together by having this legion will help many people in our area.

"The support that we have in place and the network of help from the legion will be invaluable for the community."

The branch is now gearing up for Remembrance Sunday towards the end of the year and is anticipating thousands will be joining in the event.

"We will have a brand new standard on show, celebrating this remarkable opening of the new Royal British Legion Failsworth Branch", Paul added.

The Failsworth group has its own Facebook page for residents to join and meets every third Wednesday of the month from 7.30pm at Home Guard, Failsworth.