A NEWLY formed branch of the Green Howards Association is looking for former servicemen to join their ranks.

Meeting every third Friday of the month, the Hartlepool group is also open The Yorkshire Regiment as well as any other 'old soldier'.

Branch spokesman Mark Altringham said: "Once a Green Howard always a Green Howard is a saying that soldiers worldwide who served with this famous Army regiment will know only too well, and the saying is really happening in Hartlepool with the recent formation of a Hartlepool Branch of The Green Howards Association.

"The Regiment, which was raised in 1688 and ultimately amalgamated into The Yorkshire Regiment in June of 2006, recruited primarily from the North East, but until now, the nearest gathering of Green Howards veterans was held at Thornaby. This was until former Sergeant Norman Wright, who left the army after serving 24 years, noticed at a local Remembrance Parade that there were enough ex Green Howards to possibly form its own Branch and carry its own Standard at future events.

"With donations from members, help from The Green Howards Association along with local businesses, the branch now has its own Standard which proudly flew at this years Armed Forces Day Parade in Hartlepool."

The Branch, which is now some 30 strong, meets at the Belle Vue Social Club in Hartlepool.

For further information email hartlepoolbranch@gmail.com