ROYAL British Legion bosses have been forced to appeal to Totnes's anti-war supporters for 'politeness' after the town's young cadet poppy sellers were confronted with rude comments.

Local army and air cadets sell poppies in the fortnight's run-up to Remembrance Sunday, collecting cash for Britain's wounded war veterans and bereaved families in a tradition dating back almost a century.

Last year, at least one collection was marred by an incident of 'rudeness' aimed at the youngsters.

Totnes Royal British Legion branch secretary Andy Tysoe said: "There have been one or two slightly unfortunate incidents.

"We are not alone in that. There was one incident last year involving cadets. Someone was a bit abrupt and short. You could class it as being a bit rude.

"If people do have a problem we would ask them to smile and pass on by rather than make unfortunate comments."

Last year the town of Totnes and the surrounding villages contributed a massive £10,000 to the national poppy appeal.

In a statement, Mr Tysoe thanked the people of Totnes for the cash they had donated, which was up by 10 per cent on the previous year.

He said: "The Poppy Collection is supported by Totnes Rotarians, local army and air cadets and volunteers and we would be grateful if the people could treat our collectors with politeness, even if they don't wish to contribute."

The retired Lieutenant Colonel added: "There is a large community of people in Totnes who demonstrate against the war and demonstrate against war in general, and defence spending,.

"They seem to form a link between the Royal British Legion and, of course, there isn't one."

Mr Tysoe said the legion is the leading UK charity providing direct support to wounded servicemen and women, as well as the families of those killed in action.

This year main remembrance parade in Totnes is due to take place on Sunday, November 7 at the war memorial at St Mary's Church, Totnes, followed by a service inside the church.

Various organisations, including legion members and local cadets traditionally parade to the church from The Rotherfold for the 11am minute's silence.

The legion members also mark Armistice Day itself which is on the following Wednesday, November 11, when there will be a short ceremony at the war memorial at 11am.