Bosses at Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate have apologised after an RAF sergeant was moved from view because of his uniform.

Aircraft engineer Mark Prendeville was rushed to A&E after chemicals were blown into his eyes during a training exercise at Manston.

But on two occasions, he was moved into empty corners, over worries his camouflage fatigues may offend other patients.

The 38-year-old, who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, was reportedly told that many "other cultures" use the hospital.

According to The Sun, the airman was more upset about this treatment than he was about the burns he had suffered.

The newspaper reported that Falklands veteran Simon Weston said: “It’s an insult. People will be outraged by the ignorance shown.”

The chairman of the nearby Minster and Monkton branch of the Royal British Legion said it was a scandal.

Brian Stephenson said: "For a member of our armed services to be treated like that is an outrage. There needs to be an inquiry into who issued this instruction to hospital staff.

"Who exactly did they think would be offended by his uniform? It must have been very degrading for Mr Prendeville. We should be proud of our servicemen and women, not treat them like this.

"The RAF at Manston has close ties with our club and we expect around 50 of them to visit us for Armitice Day. Mr Prendeville will certainly be getting a warm welcome from us."

Kent MEP Janice Atkinson (Ukip) has also spoken out, saying: "I am outraged that an injured serviceman in my constituency was asked to move to a side room because his uniform may upset people.

"The first job of government is to protect its citizens, this man was doing his job. He has served this country to protect us, whether you believe our recent armed conflicts were right or wrong.

"If anyone is upset because of this man's proud service, their loyalty to Queen and country should be questioned and perhaps they should be asked if they would like to leave our country."

The East Kent University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has apologised for any embarrassment caused.

A spokesman said: “This employee was acting in good faith as previously there had been an altercation between a member of the public and a different member of the Armed Forces in uniform.

“The Trust is absolutely clear that members of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, whether in uniform or not, should not be treated any differently to any other person.”