CELEBRATIONS were going on in Comet country this weekend, when two towns marked the 90th birthday of the Royal British Legion.

The Hitchin branch held a party in the Market Square on Saturday, where it was joined by others in the celebrations.

This included four Chelsea Pensioners, the Riders Branch of the British Legion, cadet units doing displays, fire crews, the TA Medical Unit, ambulance crews and branch stands.

Holby City and Mistresses actor Adam Astill was also there to cut the cake and join in the activities.

President of Hitchin RBL George Prowse said: “A very enjoyable and successful day was had by one and all who attended. Our thanks goes to all those took part in the event and the many who came and supported us.”

Stevenage also played its part in the occasion, with an awareness day held in the town centre.

As well as a stall put on by members, the army and air cadets made an appearance and did a march. Mayor Carol Latif was also at the event, as was MP Stephen McPartland.

Chairman of the Stevenage RBL branch John Jeffery said: “We put up a visibility stall so that the public could be aware of the 90th birthday. We talked to people about what we did, and were joined by the Mayor of Stevenage, the leader of the council and MP Stephen McPartland.

“We were a bit tired at the end of the day, but it was really good fun. Lots of people were interested in what we were doing and came to talk to us.

“We also had some members of the Riders Branch of the British Legion, and were lucky enough to have three members with their motorbikes which generated quite a lot of interest, particularly from the youngsters.”

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