AN association which helps former servicemen and women held a ceremony to consecrate its new standard.

The Light Infantry and Rifles Association of Ross-on-Wye was set up in 2015 to bring together reservists, to help provide welfare for former servicemen and women, and to raise money for military charities.

The association bought a standard, which was then consecrated at St Mary's Church in Ross-on-Wye.

A short address was made by patron of the association, Lieutenant General Sir John Foley.

Founder, Colonel Bob Purvis TD, said he set up the association as he saw there was a need.

He said: "A former NCO [non-commissioned officer] came to me and said, 'Have you heard about Company Sergeant X?'

"He said he lost his wife and didn't have any family. He was in a care home for two years and no-one used to see him and when he died no-one from the regiment went to the funeral. I said, 'We can't have that.'"

He then got together with two former company commanders and they set up the association.

Colonel Purvis said: "Ex-service people are very proud people and very loath to go and ask for help. I was President of the Royal British Legion in Ross for five years. I saw it in real-time. Our job is really first responders. These guys trust us and we go along and identify their welfare needs and pass it on to the RBL or SSAFA."

The Rifles regiment was granted the freedom of Ross in 2013.