AMBITIOUS plans are being made for Weymouth's Royal British Legion to move to a modern new headquarters.

The town's RBL club and branch has been based in King Street since 1947. But lack of parking facilities and poor access for the elderly and disabled have convinced the legion it must look for a new home.

Several options are being considered in or near the town centre and the move is expected to take place within two years.

The new headquarters are expected to include restaurant and cooking facilities and extensive car parking for members and visitors.

Legion chiefs are also looking into the possibility of sharing their new home with other ex-Services organisations in Weymouth. They hope the move will give a big boost to the legion's membership - currently around 600 - and help to attract younger people. There are concerns that if the legion fails to attract younger members it could face a crisis several years down the line.

New Weymouth RBL chairman Naomi Turner said: "My big project as chairman will be to move to new premises with parking. The aim is to make this a really vibrant legion. We will remain close to the centre of Weymouth."

She added: "We are not in a crisis situation in terms of membership - which is starting to rise again - but we could be in the future if we don't move forward."

Major Douglas McMeeken, who is steps down as chairman this week, said: "Services organisations are at a watershed - they will struggle to survive as the number of ex-servicemen and women falls. We will be talking to other organisations, such as the Royal Air Force Association and the Royal Naval Association, about sharing premises."