COMPLAINTS made following the late start of this year's Armistice Day service in Winsford have been criticised by the British Legion.

Debbie Clewes, who is the secretary of the Royal British Legion Winsford branch, does not believe comments aimed at the organisation were justified.

Members of the public missed the event at Winsford war memorial on Armistice Day as the service started early because the president of the Royal British Legion's watch was wrong.

Mrs Clewes asked: "How many of you who have complained have given your time to sell poppies this year? How many of you have served your Queen and country?

"The man you complained about has done so for many years. The man with the faulty watch is a war veteran himself.

"Not only has he given his heart and soul, blood and tears for this town, he has given 50 loyal years of service to the Royal British Legion and its veterans."

Mrs Clewes chose to speak as a member of the public and not the secretary of the Royal British Legion as she feels 'ashamed and disgusted' to be a Winsfordian.

She said: "I was once proud to belong to this town but now I am not so sure. When you give up that many years of your own free time unpaid and out of the goodness of your hearts then you can make judgements about others.

"My grandfather served for his country and I remember him all the time, not just for two minutes once a year.

"Paying respect is not only reserved for Armistice Day or has that fact been overlooked?"