IT WAS a case of success at the first attempt for a branch of a veterans' charity.

The Old Basing branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL_ was presented with a county-wide award after its first entry at the Hampshire RBL County Conference on Saturday, 19 January at Bishop's Waltham.

Branches from the whole of Hampshire competed to win a number of different awards for efficiency, branch activities, fundraising and recruitment.

Branch secretary Squadron Leader John Essery AFC BEM received the award of runner-up in the Stockdale Cup for best overall record over the last three years, from RBL county patron Lieutenant general Sir Mark Mans KCB CBE DL and RBL county president Colonel Andrew King.

A branch spokesperson said: "We are really glad we decided to enter the cup competitions now!"