A GROUP set up to replace a village’s Royal British Legion branch has raised more than £1,700 for armed forces charities so far.

The Ongar and District Forces Friends Group was formed at the start of the year after the entire committee of the High Ongar branch of the RBL resigned amid claims of irregularities last August.

The former branch secretary Peter Richards, who runs the new group, said: “We have now established the group and everything is running great and going from strength to strength.

“The group have now raised in excess of £1,700 since is formation early this year and more events are to follow.”

The latest fundraising event that the new group took part in was a disco night at Fyfield Village hall, which raised £540 for the forces charity Help for Heroes.

Anyone interested in joining the group should call Mr Richards on 01277 363985.