Veterans and ex-servicemen were said to be 'disgusted' by the behaviour of the youths, some of whom were trying to grab collection boxes from the terrified cadets.

In an unconnected incident, a 13-year-old air cadet who had only been enrolled for a day, was punched in the mouth after receiving a donation for his first poppy from a veteran.

Another cadet on crutches with an injured leg was kicked in the knee by one of the thugs while she was out collecting. The commanding officer of Morecambe and Heysham Sea Cadets, Monica Hill, said: "I'm concerned and dismayed at what has happened to youngsters who are trying to do good.

"Three kids opposite the Clock Tower on Marine Road were spat at and verbally abused.

"Another group of cadets were chased through town by youths carrying sticks and what was thought to be a crowbar.

"By 3.50pm all the kids had been brought back in.

"It's just a sad reflection of the times.

"The sea cadets have been involved with the Royal British Legion for over 50 years and we will have to think long and hard before we do these collections involving the cadets next year. It's a great pity."

At a meeting of the sea cadets on Monday night, 33 out of 36 cadets said they were left petrified and intimidated by the youths behaviour.

Victor Walker, an ex-serviceman, said: "The 'hoodies' from Morecambe were causing major problems with all the cadets, trying to grab their money boxes.

"Veterans and ex-servicemen at the York Hotel on Remembrance Sunday who were told about it were thoroughly disgusted.

"It's the third year we've had problems.

"We had over 100 cadets out all day between 9am and 4pm all over Morecambe being chased by youths.

"It's a sad sign of the times when young people are willing to go out and spend their own personal time at the weekend to raise money for the poppy appeal and then get verbally and physically assaulted."

Mick Dennison from the York Hotel, an ex-serviceman himself, said: "It's disgraceful that this sort of thing can go on.

"To go and attack cadets trying to raise money for the poppy appeal blemishes the day.

"All the veterans, ex-servicemen and servicemen were disgusted.
"People don't realise that these men and women have helped them to be where they are today - free."

Local poppy appeal organiser Sylvia Nicholson said: "I do think it's shocking that Morecambe has degenerated like this when people can't be safe on the streets.

"Different arrangements will have to be made next year because children's safety is paramount.

"It's so shameful and I'm rather disgusted as to what has happened to those that want to do good."

Police said they were investigating the assault on the 13-year-old sea cadet outside the Arndale Centre at 10am on Saturday, November 8.

* Anyone who witnessed the assault or any other verbal or physical assaults on cadets on Saturday, November 8, in Morecambe should contact police at Lancaster on 63333 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

* See Towncrier page 12 and Remembrance Day stories on pages 6, 7 and 15.

* Remembrance Day slideshow at thevisitor.co.uk