A MEMORIAL bench marking the centenary of a Tynedale Royal British Legion branch was unveiled at the weekend.

The Corbridge branch of the Royal British Legion are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year, which was established in the same year as the Royal British Legion nationally.

The branch collected funds for a memorial bench, with donations from individuals, as well as from fundraising events.

The bench has been placed in the village's market place and is facing the St Andrew's Church Lych Gate war memorial.

In a short ceremony on Saturday (December 11), the bench was blessed by Rev Sam Lochead, Assistant Curate at St Andrew's Church and received on behalf of the village by Parish Council chairman William Clouston and Corbridge Northumberland County Councillor Nick Oliver.

David Burnett, of the Corbridge branch of the Royal British Legion, said: "It was dedicated to all soldiers who have given their lives to the service of their country from Corbridge.

"We wanted it for last year, but things were put on hold."

The bench was made in Glasgow, and David said he is very impressed with it. "Put it this way, it will last 100 years," he said.

Nick Oliver, county councillor for Corbridge, said: "This beautiful, well crafted bench will be a fitting memorial situated in the heart of our Market Place facing the St. Andrew’s Church lychgate.

"A great effort by all involved in the Royal British Legion Corbridge Branch."

William Clouston, Chair of Corbridge Parish Council, said: "I was absolutely delighted to see this new memorial in a central place in Corbridge to honour those that have served and fallen.

"It's been a pleasure to work with the Corbridge branch of the Royal British Legion and I'd like to thank David Burnett in particular for his work in putting it together."