A CASH-STRAPPED branch of the Royal British Legion has been given a boost after a plumber agreed to fit a desperately-needed new boiler at their headquarters for free.

Loughton's legion group, which has been in turmoil in recent weeks after its honorary treasurer warned it may have to shut down due to apathy among members, was planning to raise the £2,000 needed for the equipment through regular Bingo nights until they were thrown a life-line by Chingford company DR Bull Plumbing and Heating.

Owner Steve Bull, 33, said he wanted to help out after hearing about the branch's plight.

He said: “The Royal British Legion rang me about a new boiler and said they’d have to do some fund-raising to pay for it.

“We’re not rich, and we’re not a big company, so we couldn’t give them the parts, but we could get the boiler at trade price and offer our labour for free.

“When you run a local business, it’s good to give something back to the community if you can.”

Legion chairman Brian Birt said: “Our old boiler was well on its way out. It was 30 years old and every winter when we wanted the heating on, we had to get a big hammer and belt the pump to get it started.

“Steve and his plumbers were brilliant. They spent three days fitting the boiler and saved us £2,000 – that’s a lot of bingo nights.”

Despite having nearly 450 members, the Loughton branch has been feeling the strain in recent months due to a lack of funds and committee members.

Treasurer George Mould told the Guardian two weeks ago that he was asked to resign from his post at the branch after making a public appeal in the press for more members to help out, but the club's secretary denied the claims.

Meanwhile Mr Bull has been praised by the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) for his work helping the legion.

A spokeswoman for the industry body, which maintains a public register of plumbers like Mr Bull who are qualified in the trade, praised his “top quality skills.”

Blane Judd, chief executive of CIPHE, said: “We commend Steve for his generosity and I’m sure his act of goodwill will be greatly appreciated.

"He has taken a very pragmatic approach to the current economic downturn by choosing to do something positive for the local community.

"We are proud that he is upholding the levels of professionalism we expect from a registered plumbing and heating professional.”