A PUB move has sparked a surge of interest in a Bolton old soldiers' association.

The Bolton Branch of the Parachute Regimental Association used to be based at the British Legion Club in Chorley New Road.

But since it moved to the Bowling Green pub in Bury Road in January, the branch has been given a boost. It has also switched its evening meetings to Sunday lunchtimes once a month - and in the process, more than 40 members, all of whom served with the Parachute Regiment or Airborne Forces, have joined.

The boost for the eight-year-old association comes at a time when some other veterans' associations are struggling to keep going.

The assocation's oldest member is 90 and he and a dozen other members saw action during the Second World War. Other veterans served with the regiment in more recent times, including in the Falklands.

"The older members prefer the lunchtime meetings and, surprisingly, the younger members also prefer it," said branch secretary Carlton Wrigley, who served in North West Europe as a Royal Artillery gunner attached to the airborne forces in the Second World War.

"We are managing to soldier on.""

As well as offering mutual support the branch organises events throughout the year.

The next event is a wreath laying ceremony at the Parish Church on May 8 to mark VE Day and the formation of the Parachute Regiment.

Meetings take place at the Bowling Green pub on the second Sunday of each month, the next one being on April 10. Any former member of the Parachute Regiment interested in joining should turn up or contact Mr Wrigley on 522149.