THE Royal British Legion has voiced its support for Morrisons after a row over an elderly poppy seller.

Dozens of people criticised the Taunton store after an 89-year-old veteran selling poppies was spotted outside in the cold on Saturday.

This is the statement issued by the RBL: “On the first day of collecting for the Poppy Appeal 2014 Legion collectors were offered positions both inside and outside the Morrisons in Taunton and chose the outside position as there was a higher footfall.

“We are grateful to Morrisons, as we are to all commercial outlets, who permit Poppy Appeal collections on their sites throughout the UK and in doing so strengthen our fundraising efforts so the legion can continue to offer vital support and care to the Armed Forces community.

“Our collectors will continue to be on site in Morrison's in Taunton until the end of the Poppy Appeal, so please do visit them to make a donation.

“Thank you for the support.”

The story went viral on social media after a Facebook post claimed the 89-year-old was told to move outside the Morrisons store.

The manager has told a source he gave permission for the Veteran to sell poppies inside, but that the Veteran chose to go outside.

The person who posted the story claimed he was freezing, saying she was told there was no room inside the store as there was a promotion there.

There are over 1,000 Facebook comments on the row on Morrisons' Facebook page.

A source told the County Gazette he had spoken to the manager, who told him he told the veteran he could sell poppies inside, but that the veteran chose to go outside.

Morrisons issued the following statement: "Concern has been raised regarding an 89-year-old veteran collecting outside the Taunton store for the British Legion in the cold.

"In the morning, the British Legion requested to collect outside the store.

"However, in the afternoon an elderly gentleman took over.

"We are speaking to the veteran, the British Legion organisation and the store regarding this issue.

"Could the individuals commenting regarding their direct inclusion in discussions with the store please give your contact details so we can contact you ASAP to discuss.

"This is an exceptionally important matter to us and we want to ensure we give it the attention it requires.

"We allow poppy sellers into all of our stores."

A Morrisons spokesman said rumours that death threats had been issued over the phone to the store were incorrect.