The Patchway Royal British Legion club is appealing for support from the local community.

The club, in Rodway Road, wants to dispel rumours that it is about to close and encourage more people to become members and take advantage of their facilities.

It says its existing members can help by visiting the club more often, and other people can help by signing up to be a member.

The club was set up by World War II RAF veteran Granville Philpin in 1953, who still lives in Patchway and just celebrated his 90th birthday.

His daughter Jean Moulden now runs the club as its chairwoman.

Mrs Moulden, 59, said: "Lots of people seem to think we are closing, but it's not true.

"But we could do with people coming down here a bit more to make sure we don't have to close in the future.

"Membership costs £11 a year for senior citizens and £13.50 for everyone else, but only £2.50 of that goes to us, the rest goes to the organisation.

"You can then go into any legion club across the country. Guests can come along and pay £1 a time.

"The rules are not as strict as people think. For a start it is not just ex-servicemen and women that can come here, anyone is welcome, particularly families. The only other real rules are signing in your guests and no hats!"

Vice chairman, Steve Sollars, who left the army in 1998, said that people who used to be put off coming to the club on a Saturday night because of trouble outside the Britannia pub down the road should come and give it another try.

The Britannia was sold in August and is set to be demolished to make way for a children's centre.

Mr Sollars, 36, said: "We have a lot going on here. We are open all day, seven days a week. We have skittles most nights and have about 10 teams, we have a darts team, bingo on Friday nights, and I am thinking of starting a poker night.

"We have quizzes on alternate Sundays and have entertainment every now and then too."

For more information call 0117 969 2855.

The Legion will be holding its annual Remembrance Sunday service at the club, and a parade on November 15 through Patchway.