Boy with only 80p is refused a poppy

The RBL has apologised for the mix-up and offered the youngster a special parcel to make up for his distress. Lee Allen, 41, from Overdale, said he was upset after his son was told he didn't have enough money for a paper poppy.

He said his son, who he did not wish to be named, was turned away from the fundraising stall run by the Dawley branch of the RBL.

Mr Allen said when he queried the move he was shown a price list for all the poppy merchandise.

But John White, poppy co-ordinator for the branch, said: "The price list is an aide memoire for staff and staff only and was on the table in error. It is an error we regret."

Mr Allen, a prison officer, said: "I do not mind putting money in but my grievance is that this involved a small child. He was very distressed when he came back. We are bringing him up to know that people gave their lives."

The stall was being run by the RBL branch at Sainsbury's store, in Forge Retail Park, Telford. A laminated 'price list' was on the table next to the poppy merchandise.

Ex-serviceman Mike Kelly, 61, from St Georges, who served in the RAF for 26 years, also complained.

He said: "I was incensed when I saw this laminated price list on the table. It's dreadful."

Mr White said: "If members of the public thought there was a specific charge we can only apologise.

"As for the little boy if he comes back and makes himself known we will give him a little parcel of items. We do not want to upset children. We're all volunteers and are all working extremely hard."

A Royal British Legion spokesman said: "There is no minimum donation to Poppy Appeal and paper poppies are available to anyone who wishes to make a donation to the appeal, whatever the amount.

"The lapel pins have a recommended donation amount, but again there is no minimum donation."

Last year the Dawley branch of the RBL raised £51,000 for the Poppy Appeal.