TWO members of Swanage Royal British Legion (RBL) are preparing to take part in one of the organisation's largest events in its history.

Tony Smith, who served as an RAF fireman for four years, and Peter Burgess, will be among more than 1,000 RBL's representatives taking part in the Great Pilgrimage 90.

Ten years after the end of World War One, the British Legion - as it was then known - organised for veterans and war widows to visit the battlefields of the Somme in France and Ypres in Belgium, before marching on to the Menin Gate war memorial at Ypres, Belgium, on August 8, 1928.

Tony and Peter will take part in a commemorative service - marking nine decades since that first pilgrimage - set for next month. (August 2018)

Tony, who after the RAF worked for more than 30 years as a civilian firefighter, told the Daily Echo: "I am Swanage born and bred, and have been the legion standard bearer here for about six years. It is is an absolute honour to represent the Swanage branch.

"I also expect it will be quite an emotional occasion."

The Great Pilgrimage 90, with two representatives from each registered branch taking part, will be the RBL's biggest membership event in modern history.

Legion members will complete a two-day tour of the battlefields and cemeteries, culminating - on August 8 - with a parade of branch standards and wreaths to the Menin Gate, for the 'One Hundred Days' ceremony.

The Last Post Association, which was founded in 1928 and began the daily commemoration at the Belgian memorial, will lead this commemorative service.

Spectators will be able to watch it unfold on large screens in the town's Market Square.

The RBL spokesman said: "This ceremony commemorates the last 100 days of World War One and Royal British Legion members present will represent an entire generation that served while defending their country."

Afterwards, members are set to mingle with spectators and civic dignitaries for a number of exhibitions and musical performances.