AN ARMED forces charity has been given a boost thanks to the fundraising efforts of one of the country’s oldest societies.

In the past year the St Mary Cray and Dartford branch of the Independent Order of Oddfellows organised several events in aid of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA Forces Help).

And the Oddfellows former provincial grand master Vera James presented the grand sum of just over £4,000 to SSAFA’s Bromley and Bexley branch at their recent dinner dance.

Oddfellows is one of the largest friendly societies in the UK and celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2010.

It evolved from the medieval trade guilds.