CLACTON’s Royal Marine branch is looking to boost its membership and raise awareness of its cause to help more troops and families.

The Royal Marine Association branch raises cash throughout the year to help marines and their families if they are injured or fall on hard times.

Members in Clacton are a fixture at charity events, setting up stalls to raise funds and awareness, while also organising their own fundraisers.

Branch chairman Robin Thomas said: “We do a lot of work during the year and it is so important for our marines.

“We have displays at every event in the area that we can get to.

“It is great to be out in the community telling people about what we do, and people give very generously to help our cause.

“All the money we raise goes to the Royal Marine Association headquarters and they decide where it is best distributed to help everyone who needs it.

“But we need to raise more and more as our lads start to come back from Afghanistan.

“The association as a whole wants to raise millions, and we want to do our part.”

The Clacton branch wants to increase its membership to help boost its fundraising efforts.

The Royal Marine Association was once very exclusive and was only open to those who had served, but regulations have now been relaxed.

People can find out more by calling 01255 812816.