A DECISION about refreshments after a Remembrance service proved more tricky than expected for Davenham Parish Council.

The village branch of the Royal British Legion asked the council if it could donate £50 towards the £80 cost of refreshments following the service on Sunday, November 9.

Clr Andy Duff, parish council chairman, put the request to fellow councillors at their latest meeting, along with an annual request for a £50 donation to the Poppy Appeal for the council's poppy wreath.

Clr Katie Mattinson, vice chairman, said: "It's a community event so I don't see any reason why we shouldn't contribute to refreshments afterwards"

Clr Duff agreed that the council could afford the £50 donation.

But Clr Arthur Wood said: "I would be happier putting the £100 in the Poppy Appeal fund and not £50 there and£50 for people having refreshments afterwards.

"It's not part of the Remembrance Day ceremony – that finishes at the war memorial."

Clr Brian Robinson added: "I'm not particularly supportive of refreshments."

The council put the issue to the vote.

All members were in favour of donating £50 for the wreath and a decision on donating £50 for refreshments was won by four votes to two, with one abstention.