AFTER nearly 30 years of loyal service, the worn and dilapidated standard of the Consett Royal British Legion is to be retired.

The legion branch's women's section has secured funding for a new £800 banner, which will be officially dedicated in Christ Church, Consett, tomorrow.

The group successfully applied to the National Lottery organisation, Millennium Awards For All, for the cash, and to celebrate has organised a parade through the town.

"We got the old one in the early 1970s," said treasurer Vera Parnaby. "It was to commemorate when the Queen allowed us to use the word 'royal' in the organisation's title. But it was beginning to look shabby and it was high time we had another."

There will be a service of dedication at 2pm on Saturday, before the parade.

Members and anyone else in attendance will then go to the rugby club for refreshments.

The public are welcome to attend, especially former British Legion members of both the men's and women's sections.