The new Musselburgh & District Veterans’ Group was officially launched last week by John McMillan, Provost of East Lothian.

Councillor McMillan, who is the council’s veterans’ champion, was joined at the event by local councillors Andy Forrest, Depute Provost of East Lothian, Cher Cassini and Ruaridh Bennett.

The group, for ex-servicemen and women, meets at the Hollies Community Hub on the High Street every Monday between 10am and 12.30pm.

“Everyone associated with the veterans’ community is welcome to attend,” said spokesperson Karl Cleghorn, a Royal Navy veteran who served in the Falklands conflict.

Twenty-three veterans and family members attended the launch.

Members of Prestonpans Royal British Legion were represented by Eric Yule and Tommy Douglas, of Veterans Community Support.

The most poignant of veterans’ poems was recited from memory by 92-year-old Musselburgh resident James (Jim) Martin, a well-known actor who starred as Eric in the BBC comedy, Still Game.

Two standards – a new King’s Colour standard and a Gunners pennant – were also featured at the event.

A poppy wreath was laid at the Second World War Memorial near the Hollies, in remembrance of those who lost their lives in conflicts.