REMEMBRANCE Sunday parades in the community neighbouring RAF Benson looked likely to be saved last night, after two volunteers agreed to take over their organisation.

We revealed that this year’s parade in Benson, near Wallingford, at which 200 people marked the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War, was set to be the last, because organisers Ken Hicks, 86, and Don Passey were too old to continue.

It also meant Benson’s branch of the Royal British Legion, formed in 1931, would have to disband and its standard laid up in St Helen’s Church.

Mr Passey, who is in his 80s, has been Legion chairman since he joined the branch 59 years ago.

However, Mr Hicks said: “Two volunteers came forward after reading about it in the paper.

“We have put our cards on the table and shocked them into it.

“The volunteers definitely want to take it on, if the alternative means the Legion is going to disband.”

The wife of a serviceman from RAF Benson has also contacted Mr Hicks offering to do administrative work.

Mr Hicks added: “I am delighted. The publicity has encouraged them to come forward.

“I was surprised when these people called me because they are high-ranking ex-servicemen from the village, who realised the branch would close if they did not do something.

“We can now graduallyhand over the job to them over the next year so they can pick it up.

“I have organised the parade with RAF Benson and the clergy, but I want to retire.”

The pair had searched for volunteers but had previously been unsuccessful.

Station commander at RAF Benson, Gp Capt Paul Lyall, said: “Remembrance Days are traditionally organised by the Royal British Legion.

“While RAF Benson is always happy to support the local community, the retention of a vibrant Legion presence should be the first aim of the village.”

The vicar of Benson, the Rev Andrew Hawken, said: “It would have been very sad if it were lost forever.”

Villager Di Renshaw said: “It would be sad if it did not continue. People need to remember what it is all about.”