A decision by the BBC to cut coverage of the Standards being paraded into the Royal Albert Hall at the start of the annual Festival of Remembrance has come under fire.

Mary Sinclair Powell, a member of the Ross-on-Wye branch of the Royal British Legion, posted about the decision on her Facebook page.

The RBL announced last week that the arrival of its Branch Standards at the commemorative ceremony would not be broadcast. A spokesman said the decision had been made after officials approached the BBC for ideas to keep the festival, which is expected to attract around seven million viewers, ‘contemporary and exciting’.

Mary said: “This is appalling - the Royal British Legion Standard Bearers march proudly as our representatives, to the British Legion March. They are all highly honoured to be representing their country and community.

“They all represent those veterans who have supported and fought for our country, as well as their dependents and loved ones.

“They will be removing the Chelsea pensioners next because they have to take their time marching proudly across the arena.”