A WREATH for forgotten soldiers killed in the First World War has been laid in France by a representative from the Royal British Legion in Malmesbury.

Charles Vernon, treasurer of the Malmesbury branch of the RBL, travelled to Ypres to honour the 14 men from the Malmesbury area who were included amongst the 54,396 names reported dead or missing, and whose bodies could not be identified.

"A group of five of us, including my wife Val, Sue Poole, Maria Marsh and Dave Heiland spent the next few days visiting battle sites and museums in the Ypres Salient," Mr Vernon said.

"I wore my beret, which is 40 years old, that has the badge and hackle of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Their first battalion is now based at Tidworth."

The Royal British Legion provides financial, social and emotional care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces, organising annual Remembrance Day parades and services and the Poppy Appeal, which raises vital cash to fund their work.

Founded in 1921, the Legion aims to support not just those involved in two World Wars but also those involved in the conflicts since 1945 and current servicemen.