A former Merchant Navy captain who served in the Falklands was just one of the many veterans to enjoy a cuppa at the Alsager branch of the Royal British Legion's launch coffee morning today (Wednesday).

Alsager resident, Capt Pete Morris, served for 40 years and was delighted to join others at the monthly event in the Lawton Suite at the Alsager Civic.

Branch and membership secretary, Jill Margett, realised there was a need to get people together and offer them a space to chat and meet others.

So she launched a coffee morning with free hot drinks and biscuits on the third Wednesday of the month between 10 am and 12 pm at Alsager Civic.

And more than 16 people turned up to the first one today where they had a chance to buy a raffle ticket to win a specially designed RBL cake made for the occasion.

Jill said: "The coffee morning isn't about fundraising (although any donations will be very welcome) - it is more about awareness – awareness of how the RBL can help the community.

"During the last Poppy Appeal, I was chatting with a lovely lady. It was during this chat that she told me of how she was a carer for her husband who suffers with dementia. She told me that she struggles at times.

"Her husband is a veteran and so I asked her if she had thought of asking the RBL for help. This lady was completely shocked and said that she'd never even thought of asking.

"Today was great as we got lots of people together whose partners had been in the Forces and had no idea they would get help from the RBL. It was a great success and we'll definitely be holding one every month."

The branch donated coffees and handed out leaflets to the stall holders outside at Alsager Market who made donations and signposted people to the event.

Tina Burgess, manager at Alsager Pharmacy and colleague, Oliver Archer, attended the event to give advice and offer help on any of the services they offer.

Tina said: "It's a great event and a member of staff will be attending the coffee morning every month.

"We are very much behind the local community want to make people aware of the range of services we offer.

"It's lovely to hear the RBL member stories and it's obviously a great event for veterans to come and chat and make new friends."