Prestonpans Royal British Legion has been awarded a £2,500 grant to help promote a comradeship and remembrance programme for local armed forces veterans.

On December 15, branch chairman Eric Yule was presented with a cheque from Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders area chairman Brian Kelly at a ceremony held in the Legion.

This followed a successful application to the Centenary Award scheme, which is granted annually to the Legion Scotland branch making an application for a project which best meets the charitable aims of the Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders area council.

Mr Kelly said: “The Centenary Award scheme has been set up to mark the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Royal British Legion Scotland, known as Legion Scotland, and to generate legacy projects such as this initiative by the Prestonpans branch.”

East Lothian Council is currently refurbishing the area around Prestonpans War Memorial.

When the work is complete, Prestonpans’ Legion plans to host a rededication service in partnership with Prestonpans Community Council.

This will be followed by a lunch for VIPs, local veterans and friends of the war memorial project.

Mr Yule said: “We will use this event to launch a comradeship and wellbeing initiative for veterans to come together regularly to clean and maintain the war memorial prior to entering the annual best kept war memorial competition held each spring and in the run-up to Remembrance Days each November.

“We have one of the best war memorials in the country and it pays suitable tribute to the fallen.”

Freddie Wood, branch secretary, added: “To build on this event, the plan is to then recruit, train and support a team of standard bearers for our future Remembrance Days and other events, as well as develop initiatives to help raise awareness and promote our charitable purpose for the local armed forces and wider community.”

And Tommy Thomson, branch treasurer, added: “It is intended that by raising the profile of our charitable work encompassing comradeship, welfare and remembrance, we will also help to generate greater interest in the annual poppy appeal as well.”

After last month’s ceremony, attendees were notified that another award of £2,500 was available for uniformed youth groups.

On that award, Mr Yule added: “This award is named the Earl Haig Award in memory of our founder and will be granted to a uniformed youth group making an application via their local Legion branch for a project which marries with our charitable aims.”