A GROUP which has marked the efforts of Cotswold Second World War veterans in the Far East for the past 50 years is set to close.

The end of the Evesham and District Branch of the Burma Star Association - which includes members from all over the North Cotswolds - will be marked with a 10am service at All Saints’ Church in Evesham on February 14, where members will lay-up the branch standard.

Chairman Maurice Andrews said since its formation in May 1960, the branch had 60 medal holders as members but membership now was down to just 17.

“The decision to close down the branch has been difficult to arrive at but for reasons of age, disability and other health reasons the few remaining members find it difficult to attend branch functions and to take on the responsibility of running the branch,” he said.

Remaining members, along with widows of former members, other ex-service organisations and local councillors will all attend the service, which will be conducted by Rev Andrew Spurr and John Turner, branch padre.