One of the oldest branches of the Royal British Legion in the UK celebrated it's centenary in Powys last weekend.

On Saturday, August 14, the community from Machynlleth was joined by members of the Royal Air Force for a joint celebration to mark the 100th anniversary of the Royal British Legion and to celebrate the 100th birthday of the town's branch.

To mark the double centenary, Y Plas Machynlleth was home to numerous events and activities, all organised by the Machynlleth branch.

The highlight of the day was watching Royal Air Force Corporals Daniel Holt and Josh Billingham and Senior Aircraftman John Jones take part in live cooking demonstrations. The trio whipped up various recipes from the RBL’s Centenary Cookbook, Cooking With Heroes. Visitors on the day were treated to Cypriot chicken kebabs, Swansea warm Welsh cakes, and Fermanagh ‘Fifteens’ – a no bake treat especially for children to enjoy.

Since forming in 1921, the Machynlleth branch has truly been at the heart of its community, and that was proven on the day to be true as numerous locals arrived on the day ready to celebrate the branch’s centenary year.

Visitors, including members from the RBL’s Riders Branch, were also treated to a music from the Machynlleth-based wind band, who played the RBL march and many other well-known military tunes and marches.

Current Chairman of the Machynlleth branch, Steve Doyle is a British Army veteran who served in the Royal Regiment of Scotland and organised the event.

"It was brilliant to bring so many people together to celebrate our 100th birthday. The anniversary was one that I’ll hold dear in my memory, and the event was a huge success," he said.

"Since forming 100 years ago the Machynlleth branch has really been there for its community, and we hope to do be for the next 100. Thank you to everyone who attended the day to celebrate our centenary with us."

The Royal British Legion was formed in 1921 and is the UK’s biggest Armed Forces charity, providing care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces past and present and their families.

The charity’s founding mission was to stand with, and fight for the rights of, the serving community.