A new chapter has begun at the Petersfield branch of the Royal British Legion as Chris Paige is their new chairman.

The town councillor didn’t expect to be nominated or elected chairman when the group met ahead of Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday service.

But the 39-year-old, who marshalled the parade, called the announcement one of the greatest honours of his life.

He said: “Becoming chairman is certainly something that I cherish and I hope that I will live up to expectations.

“With this being my first Remembrance service as parade marshall, and now becoming chairman, there’s a lot of pressure but it’s also quite exciting.”

Mr Paige is also a prominent figure at Petersfield Town Council as he chairs their Public Halls Advisory Group which oversees the likes of Festival Hall and The Avenue Pavilion.