It has been the focal point of marches and remembrance services for years.

Eastern Daily Press: The Wymondham women's section of the Royal British Legion, laid up their Branch Standard during morning service at Wymondham Abbey. Pictured are Dawn Jessett and Iain Colquhoun. Picture: Ian BurtThe Wymondham women's section of the Royal British Legion, laid up their Branch Standard during morning service at Wymondham Abbey. Pictured are Dawn Jessett and Iain Colquhoun. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

But the standard of the Wymondham Royal British Legion's (RBL) women's section has made its final journey and will now go on show permanently at Wymondham Abbey.

The standard was officially given to the abbey for safekeeping at a 'laying up ceremony' following the closure of the women's section last September.

Sandy Dean, former chairman of the branch, said it was an emotional day for more than 20 women's section branch members who were there.

She said the ceremony took place during the morning Eucharist service on Sunday, February 19, in front of a congregation of about 100.

Eastern Daily Press: The Wymondham women's section of the Royal British Legion, laid up their Branch Standard during morning service at Wymondham Abbey. Pictured are The Right Revd Alan Winton, Bishop of Thetford and Dawn Jessett. Picture: Ian BurtThe Wymondham women's section of the Royal British Legion, laid up their Branch Standard during morning service at Wymondham Abbey. Pictured are The Right Revd Alan Winton, Bishop of Thetford and Dawn Jessett. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Mrs Dean said: 'It was quite a sad occasion, but it was all done very nicely by the abbey.

'The standard was brought up to the altar by our standard bearer, and the vicar placed it on the altar. There was a final hymn and then it was led to a chapel of the abbey followed by the choir, the priests and the Bishop of Thetford, and then the standard was hung on the wall.'

Mrs Dean said The Last Post was also played at the service, which was led by the Revd Catherine Relf-Pennington.

The Wymondham RBL women's section closed, along with scores of others across the country, after a re-organisation at a national level.Mrs Dean said many former members were still upset about the fact the women's section had to close.

Eastern Daily Press: The Wymondham women's section of the Royal British Legion, laid up their Branch Standard during morning service at Wymondham Abbey. Pictured are Dawn Jessett and Iain Colquhoun. Picture: Ian BurtThe Wymondham women's section of the Royal British Legion, laid up their Branch Standard during morning service at Wymondham Abbey. Pictured are Dawn Jessett and Iain Colquhoun. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

She said: 'It was the way it was done that was the problem. We were very active and raised a lot of money over the years.'

The women's section had been running since 1953, and although it was initially only open to serving and former armed forces members, it was later opened to all women.

Mrs Dean said former members of the women's section planned to keep meeting and raising money for good causes around the area.

She said they were already planning to hold a coffee morning in March to benefit the The Walnut Tree Project, which helps veterans and their families who are experiencing mental health difficulties.

Eastern Daily Press: The Wymondham women's section of the Royal British Legion, laid up their Branch Standard during morning service at Wymondham Abbey. Pictured are Dawn Jessett and Iain Colquhoun. Picture: Ian BurtThe Wymondham women's section of the Royal British Legion, laid up their Branch Standard during morning service at Wymondham Abbey. Pictured are Dawn Jessett and Iain Colquhoun. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Do you have a story about something happening in your community? Email stuart.anderson@archant.co.uk