The legion’s Stamford branch is now one of the few branches in the country to have a professional display stand.

Amanda Davison-Young, managing director of East Midlands Newspapers, which owns the Mercury, handed over the stand to the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, the Lady Sarah McCorquodale, on behalf of the legion, on Saturday at the Recreation Ground in Stamford.

Branch secretary Steve Bonde said the stand quickly helped to attract four new members on Saturday.

He said: “We only have two objectives; one is welfare work for serving and ex-service community and the other is remembrance.

“The stand is going to be invaluable in helping us to make people aware of the welfare services we offer.

“It looks so prominent and professional. Up until now we have had a marquee or a stall on the market with a handpainted sign.”

Mrs Davison-Young is delighted that the stand has already made an impact for the legion.

She said: “We are delighted to be able to help the Royal British Legion in this way. We know that it carries out vast amounts of good work throughout the area to help current and former service personnel.

“We look forward to seeing the unit at community events in the future.”