A WAR veteran is fighting to save a precious lifeline for victims of conflict and their families.

Joe Darlington, president of Runcorn & Weston Royal British Legion (BL) fears his charity could close if he can't recruit new members.

Runcorn's annual Remembrance Day service could be axed and practical, social and welfare support could be lost.

"All that would go, it would be a great shame," said Joe, who served in the army in North Africa and Italy. "Most of us are ex servicemen in our 70s and 80s. If we don't get new members, it will close."

Runcorn's BL has helped thousands of military families since it was founded 80 years ago.

Joe has organised Runcorn's cenotaph parade and service for the past 14 years and strives tirelessly to help ex servicemen, women and their dependants.

He has added 12 names of war heroes to the cenotaph's roll of honour and regularly talks to schoolchildren about the poppy appeal.

"We run a very efficient welfare organisation, helping victims to cope with their disabilities," said Joe, explaining that money raised through poppies pays for chair lifts, wheelchairs and various disability aids.

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"We arrange for relatives to visit war graves and help families obtain medals their loved ones won during war campaigns but never applied for."

Runcorn BL's next meeting is on Tuesday, May 4 at 7.30pm in The Pavilions, Sandy Lane, Weston Point, Runcorn.

"You don't have to be an ex service man or woman to join us," said Joe. "We just need people willing to give up a little time once a month to help get things organised."