AN organisation set up by a Bridgwater Second World War veteran celebrated its 30th anniversary this month.

The George Cross Island Association was founded in 1987 by ex-Navy man Fred Plenty, and the group celebrated with a gathering at the Royal Maritime Club in Portsmouth on October 6.

Fred moved to Bridgwater after the war, where he set up home and started a family with his wife Sally.

In the 1980’s Mr Plenty set out to form a group involving service personnel from around the world to reunite and recount their personal stories of the Second World War, and to remember those that had fallen.

Fred enlisted the help of his one time captain; Captain Bailey, and other like-minded men. In July 1987 the GCIA was finally borne.

The George Cross Island Association was set up to honour all those that had fallen during The Siege of Malta 1940 - 1943.

Service men, women and their families from the UK, Malta and beyond unite via the GCIA to talk of their experiences, and to help educate future generations on the heartbreak and futility of war.

Fred has passed away but his granddaughter Deborah Plenty has been helping to keep the group running

Deborah said: "After another wondrous weekend of stories and laughter we gathered on Sunday morning for the Pedestal Memorial Service to remember all who gave their lives in the Santa Maria (Pedestal) Convoy in August 1942."

The George Cross Island Association has The Duke of Edinburgh as a patron and branches in the the South West and South East of the UK, as well as one in Malta.

In April this year Deborah Plenty attended a service at The Siege Bell Memorial in Valletta, Malta, to commemorate 75 years of the George Cross being awarded to the island.

Service personnel, their families, or anyone interested in the history of the Second World War are encouraged to join. Go to www.georgecrossisland.org.uk for more information.