POIGNANT scenes were witnessed at Bury Parish Church where members of a specialised wartime naval force laid down their group standard for the last time.

Around 40 ex-servicemen and family members were present for the final ceremony of the Coastal Forces Veterans Association's East Lancashire branch.

The association represents those who served with the Royal Naval Light Coastal Forces, disbanded in 1957.

Members opted to rest their ceremonial standard for the final time last Sunday (Nov 16) due to declining membership and mobility problems.

A short service and wreath laying took place at the Whitehead Gardens torpedo memorial, Knowsley Street, before members proceeded to Bury Parish Church.

Once there, the standard made its way down the aisle for the last time accompanied by standards from the Royal Naval Association and Lancashire Fusiliers.

The naval hymn Eternal Father was played ahead of prayers by Rev John Findon.

After the standard was placed on its stand alongside a book of remembrance, the group attended a social gathering at Bury Drill Hall.

Association treasurer Len Mears said: "Our standard is only for parade purposes and we will continue to meet as a group.

"It had got to the point where there was no point in trying to carry on and it was felt that we may as well lay it up while we were fit to do so."