A ROYAL British Legion volunteer has accused a gang of teenagers of "desecrating" the nation's war dead.

Paul Dunn, 41, who works at Junction Seven business park, Clayton-le-Moors, opened his front door in Green Hill, Great Harwood, to three youngsters who asked him for the traditional Hallowe'en trick or treats.

But when he told them he didn't want to give them any money, the youngsters grabbed the contents of a box of poppies and scattered them on the road after he had closed the door.

Vowing to leave another box of poppies outside his house for locals to choose from, he said: "They asked me if I would choose between a trick or treat. I said I wasn't interested and asked them not to bother the other people in the building because they were so elderly.

"When I shut my door and heard them go to the poppy box, grab all 30 poppies and throw them all over the front of the building."

The security guard added: "It's a sad state of affairs when things like this happen as we approach the day of remembrance on November 11.

"They don't deserve to be called youths.

"They are callous and obviously don't realise the poppy is in memory of soldiers who fought and died for this country. It is a desecration of our war dead.

"They didn't threaten me and I haven't had any other problems with youngsters. It's just that they don't seem to understand what the poppy stands for." Mr Dunn, whose father fought as a sapper in France during the Second World War and who's eldest brother also served in Northern Ireland said he blamed the education system for their behaviour.

He said: "Some secondary schools are more likely to neglect the issue, which is unfortunate."

County Field officer for the Royal British Legion John Hardiman said: "It is very disappointing youngsters treat poppies in such a way, bearing in mind what they represent.

"The Legion is very keen to educate young people on the importance of remembrance. Our soldiers died to protect this country's peace and freedom.

For information about donating money to the Royal British Legion poppy campaign or to refer ex-servicemen or women who need help call John Hardiman on 01257 793600.