Royal British Legion bosses are urging political activists not to hijack Remembrance Sunday in Faversham.

The plea follows complaints that a well-known anti-immigration campaigner brandished Union Flags aboard a tank during the town’s recent carnival, which some wrongly believed was linked to the Legion.

The activist, Harry Hilden, shared a video on his Facebook page of himself on the military vehicle during the parade.

Holding a megaphone, he asks “Whose streets?”, to which some people in the crowd shout back, “Our streets” – a chant that has featured at recent anti-immigration protests.

It later transpired that he was riding on the tank with the full permission of the owner, who was unaware of any political controversy.

Tensions have been running high in Faversham since Kent County Council allocated a former care home to accommodate unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, which has recently led to rallies, organised by Mr Hilden, and counter-demonstrations.

But now the Royal British Legion has issued a statement insisting the organisation is non-partisan and the sombre occasion this Sunday must not be used for political or ideological purposes.

The charity says it has been moved to “reaffirm” its position following the incident on carnival day.

“There was a recent example in Faversham where individuals who were not known to organisers or the RBL volunteer representatives attending a local event, used the occasion to express political views and were conflated with our group,” say RBL chiefs.

“The Royal British Legion is not affiliated with any flag-raising groups. We respect the right of individuals to display their national flag and express their views within the law.

“However, there is no connection between these activities and the Royal British Legion or the Poppy Appeal.”

The statement adds: “We ask for your support to ensure the Poppy Appeal, the poppy, and remembrance activity are not used as a platform to express political views.

“The poppy is a symbol of Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future, worn to honour the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community.

“It belongs to no political, religious or ideological group, and we will not allow its use in support of any political agenda.”

The Faversham branch of the Royal British Legion relaunched this year with Lt Col Ian Daniell at the helm.

The Remembrance Day parade on Sunday, November 9, is being organised through the town council.

The procession of veterans, armed service members, cadet bands and VIPs will set off from the Queens Hall car park at 10.30am.

It will also include two military vehicles owned by veteran Colin Port, one of which will lead the parade with town mayor Cllr Josh Rowlands on board.

The procession is due to arrive in the Faversham War Memorial Garden in Stone Street for the wreath-laying at 10.45am.

It will be followed by a service of remembrance at St Mary of Charity Church at 11.30am.