Infirm Legion members will be at the forefront with youngsters

The Legion says the civic party should no longer be at the front in the parish church, to give more prominence to younger people from the town.

But the Legion also wants infirm members to be given places at the front.

Some members of the local authority however, feel it is their civic role to represent the people of the town on such an important occasion.

They have always led the parade and been allocated seating at the front of the parish church.

Back seat

Alan Kershaw, the new chairman of the Sidmouth branch of the Royal British Legion, said: "In the past the town council and their spouses have taken up the forefront, pushing everybody else out.

"So we have asked them to take a back seat."

Mr Kershaw said he was surprised at the reaction of the town council which had expressed its objection at a meeting.

He said: "I have seen active service and I want to be at the front, to pay my respects to people who have lost their lives.

"But in the last 20 years the council has taken up all the front seats, and given nobody else a chance.

"We are just asking them now to take a back seat and allow the younger generation and Royal British Legion members to be at the forefront for a change."