Cranford Royal British Legion has warned 80 years of history could go down the pan if it fails to attract more members.

It is four years since the branch sold its club HQ in Bath Road due to a lack of interest, and the situation has become so grim a merger with Heston RBL could be months away after its membership dwindled to just 29.

Secretary Rita Hinton, 78, said: "We're all very much legionnaires and we've worked together for so many years. None of us want to give up our status as Cranford to join another branch."

Cranford RBL used to organise a host of events across the village and run stalls at dozens of school fetes, but a rapidly ageing membership has left it unable to arrange even the most basic fundraisers needed to keep it in the black.

"We need to get slightly younger people involved, with the energy to get things going again," said Miss Hinton. "If we could just organise a bingo night or a monthly raffle, and get more collectors for the Poppy Appeal, that would be enough.

"It's important to keep our legions going so people remember the sacrifices made for us."

Members of Cranford RBL meet on the last Sunday of every month at 12.30pm at the Jolly Gardeners pub in Cranford High Street. To learn more about the branch, call Rita Hinton on 020 8759 4683.