'AN association set up to help disabled old soldiers in Bolton is to close.

The shock shutdown of the Bolton and District Branch of the British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association has been blamed on a fall in numbers.

The problem has been coupled with a lack of people who could take on voluntary officers appointments and means the branch will wind up at the end of June.

In the 1950s the association had a membership of more than 150 but there has been a steady decrease in recent years as elderly members died.

Gordon Sanders, aged 72, of Frankford Avenue, Bolton, has been the branch's honorary secretary for the last 14 years.

Mr Sanders lost both his legs below the knee following a mortar shell explosion in Normandy when he was only aged 18.

He said: "The closure will be very upsetting. Over the years we have helped to get gradual increases in war pensions and we've looked after the welfare of ex-servicemen and their widows.

"It has been difficult to carry on for some time. When our welfare officer passed away a few years ago there was no-one available to take over the post and to keep a regular check on our members." Now there are only 15 members left and 23 widows who are supported by the branch's committee.

Since 1954, when the branch was created, there have been regular monthly meetings which are held at the Cotton Tree pub in Prince Street, Bolton. Every year three special trips were also organised for the elderly members.

Mr Sanders added: "We feel we've done a lot of good for our members and over the years we've been very well supported by the town.

"We'd like to thank everyone who helped us and our thanks also go to all our present membership."

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