A CALL has gone out to ex-servicemen and women across Teesside to rally around and help boost the membership of a local club.

The Stockton and Billingham branch of the Combined Services Association has launched a spring drive to strengthen membership.

Chairman Roger Black said all ex-servicemen and women, widows, former Land Army girls and munitions workers and their relatives would be welcome at the next meeting on Tuesday.

He said: "It is a very active organisation, but the numbers have been dwindling recently and we hope our campaign can give us a boost."

At its height, the branch had 300 members. Figures are now about 120, and members meet on the third Tuesday of each month at Billingham TUC for a social night.

Mr Black said: "There is a great spirit of friendship and, of course, nostalgia. It is a good way to make new friends, bump into old friends and swap stories.

"New members, of all ages, will be made most welcome."

For more information, contact Mr Black on (01642) 533098.