BRITISH Legion members are celebrating an award to mark their outstanding success in reviving their group's fortunes.

The Alsager branch of the RBL was on its knees four years ago with a handful of members, and looked set to fold.

However it was saved by the efforts of local resident Les Bickerton, who came forward to act as the secretary of the branch.

Since then the group has gone from strength to strength, and now boasts more than 80 members.

Its success was recognised on Friday by the presentation of an award from the Cheshire RBL to group membership secretary Anne Kitchener.

The certificate recognises the branch's achievement in scoring the second highest increase in membership of any Cheshire Legion branch during 2002.

The branch's annual dinner was attended by 28 people two years ago, which rose to 48 last year and 84 at Friday's dinner at the Alsager Golf and Country Club.

"We can't believe what has happened to the membership figure, and it's all down to sheer hard work by the members," said events chairman Frank Lack.

"There seems to be a lot more interest in the Legion in the town, which may have something to do with the impact of the September 11 terrorist attack."

The branch organises various outings in the summer, and meets at the Radway Sports and Social Club at 11am on the first Sunday in the month.

Fund-raising raffles at Friday's annual dinner brought in £175 for branch funds and £107 for the poppy appeal.