A UNION flag has been given to the Launceston branch of the Royal British Legion, to replace one that was stolen last week.

The Post reported last week the theft of the 8ft by 4ft flag from the branch’s headquarters at Edymead, in Westgate Street, sometime overnight between Sunday and Monday, August 16 and 17.

The theft had been described as ‘despicable’ by branch president Peter Rowe.

Following the theft, branch chairman Terry Sully appeared on Radio Cornwall’s phone-in show with Laurence Reed.

He told the presenter of the branch’s reaction: “We are completely disgusted, outraged, saddened — all the words that are relevant to the deed. It’s just terrible.

“It’s complete disrespect for the Union flag, what is stands for. We are used to a bit of vandalism around all towns I assume but not the Union flag, surely?

“We are getting a lot of support on Facebook and everything locally which is good. I’m quite pleased about that because it shows most of the people care.”

The station was contacted by Marcus and Mary Vinson, who offered their cotton Union flag to the branch.

Mr Rowe and Mr Sully travelled to Camborne to meet Mr and Mrs Vinson and collect the flag last week (pictured).

The flag had been draped on the coffin of Mary’s uncle, Frederick William Bennett.

Mr Bennett, who died in 2006 at the age of 85, had served in the Royal Navy, receiving a medal for serving in Palestine from 1936 to 1939, the Burma Star, the 1942 to 1945 star, the Africa Star, the Atlantic Star and a 1939 to 1945 Royal Navy medal.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week’s edition of the Post.