AN ARMY veteran from Charminster claims he was verbally abused as he fundraised for forces charities in Bournemouth town centre.

Raymond Clark, 67, who was awarded a British Empire Medal by The Queen in 2013 for services to volunteering and charitable giving, said he was approached by a man while manning a stall he set up for a number of good causes.

These included a cancer charity in memory of his wife, Cynthia, who died after a battle with breast cancer in 2000.

Mr Clark was wearing a blazer, beret and his medals at the time on the incident on June 27, which he earned during 26 years with the Army, serving with Royal Northumberland Fusiliers and abroad in Aden and Northern Ireland.

He said: "I set up a stand outside Marks and Spencer with flags and militaria where I sold my two books and a book my daughter, Gillian, made of what were her mum's favourite recipes.

"This man came up to me and said: "What are you ******* doing? You ******* offend me.

"He also said that one of the books I had, which has a swastika on it, offended him, but I told him that the book's publishers have rules and regulations and wouldn't have used it if they couldn't. He also said 'Those medals offend me.'

"He then threatened to come round and punch my face in."

Mr Clark said that a Big Issue seller came to his aid, after the abusive man took Mr Clark's photo and a picture of the book, which he said he would circulate on Facebook in disgust.

The incident occurred during Armed Forces Week, which Mr Clark said he felt he had to do something to mark. He said that he did not report it to the police as he wanted to continue fundraising during that day, despite what happened.

Mr Clark said that he was already distressed after having to pay a £50 fee plus vat to Bournemouth Council to hold the stall, as well as taking out a public liability insurance policy, which cost him £100.

"The money from the sale of the books went to Help 4 Heroes, Combat Stress, SSAFA and Scotty's Little Soldiers.

"The other charity I chose, Action Cancer, helps the people that deal with those with cancer, like the partners and relatives.

"Needless to say, thanks to the council, the charities did not benefit a great deal."