Old soldiers in Walton are preparing for battle.

The British Legion Club in Vicarage Lane, which has been used by branch members of the Royal British Legion for more than 75 years, has seen a big rise in younger members.

Now there is a move by the younger members to change the name and reconstitute the membership fee.

At the moment it costs £7 to join, with £1.50 going to the club and the rest going to Legion funds.

President John Hall said: "The younger ones want a cheap beer and social club, not one for ex-servicemen. Any ex-serviceman would be against this - I think it's terrible."

Branch secretary Freddie Clift, 81, explained the club, which has 900 members, was independent of the Royal British Legion branch so a majority could change the rules.

The Royal British Legion branch is only open to ex-servicemen while anyone over 18 is eligible to join the club.

Mr Clift added if the changes went ahead it could mean finding somewhere else to meet. He said: "No decision has been made. It will be discussed next week."

"It comes from the committee following observations from the club."

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