LOCAL members of the Royal British Legion (RBL) have taken part in a pilgrimage of remembrance.

Representatives from Malton, Norton, Kirkbymoorside and Pickering joined thousands of Armed Forces veterans and supporters from across the UK and worldwide in the event which visited some of the First World War’s most poignant battlefields, memorials and cemeteries.

A spectacular two-mile march through Ypres to the Commonwealth War Grave Commission’s Menin Gate Memorial, led by 1,100 standard bearers, was the culmination of the three-day event, which saw the 2,200 participants visit First World War trenches, battlefields and cemeteries of France and Belgium.

Shaun and Andrea Brosnan attended the Great Pilgrimage 90 as representatives of Malton, Norton and District RBL as standard bearer and wreath layer respectively.

Shaun, secretary of the branch, said: “Being part of such an historic, poignant event, representing the towns of Malton and Norton and indeed the district in commemorating those that lost their lives in the First World War, was an honour and a privilege, something my wife and I will never forget.

“It was also very special to have shared our experience of this most memorable event with members and friends from other local branches from the Ryedale and North Yorkshire area.”

The RBL is the nation’s biggest Armed Forces charity providing care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. The Legion champions Remembrance and safeguards the Military Covenant between the nation and its Armed Forces.

Bob Gamble, the RBL’s head of commemorative events, said: “GP90, was the Legion’s biggest membership event in modern history and is a suitable tribute from the members of The Royal British Legion in honour of the First World War generation, echoing the way the British Legion community commemorated the 10th anniversary of the conflict in 1928.”

For more information, go to britishlegion.org.uk