A NEW branch of a veterans' association is looking to boost its numbers across the North-East.

The Far East Veterans Association meets at the Royal British Legion, Park Road, Middlesbrough, every fourth Saturday of the month.

Members are looking for ex-servicemen and women of all ranks, as well as civilian personnel who served in the Far East or Middle East from 1945 to 1997, to swell their numbers.

Phil Appleby, of Middlesbrough, said members enjoyed a good social life and continued to try to trace friends with whom they had served.

Anyone interested can contact Mr Appleby, at 8 Lindisfarne Road, Priestfields, Middlesbrough, or Alan Leach, 12 Broadbent Street, Saltburn, Cleveland, or can call (01287) 676452.

Other people trying to be reunited with old friends and neighbours include:

l Rod Weale, of Tenerife. Mr Weale is hoping readers can help him with a North Yorkshire mystery.

He is researching a painting called The Briefing, which shows the aircrew of 83 Squadron RAF, at RAF Scampton, in 1940. His great uncle is on the painting and he believes another airman could be Sidney Dale, of North Yorkshire.

Sgt Dale was killed on November 15, 1940, aged 20, and he was the son of John Robert and Isabel Dale, of Great Ayton.

Mr Weale believes Sgt Dale has no known grave, although he is commemorated at the Runnymede Memorial, and Mr Weale is hoping to get in touch with any of his relatives.

Mr Weale can be contacted at Apartado de Correos 35, Los Gigantes, 38683, Santiago Del Teide, Tenerife