FURIOUS pensioners selling poppies say they were ordered out of a supermarket and into a windswept lobby because they were “in the way”.

The OAPs have been using Asda St Paul’s in Bournemouth for 10 years but were told to move.

Asda defended the move but agreed to let them go back inside the store, minutes after a Daily Echo reporter arrived.

Collector Audrey Watson, 85, of Bournemouth, who was wearing four layers of clothes, said: “It’s difficult enough to get people to volunteer but if we’re going to have to be out here, nobody’ll do it.”

Audrey, whose Royal Navy father was killed in Crete during the Second World War, added: “It’s outrageous. We’re no trouble to anyone.”

The poppy sellers had agreed with the previous manager they could be inside the store but a new boss has been appointed since last year’s appeal.

Former RAF officer Philip Pring, 77, from Southbourne, said: “A lady said we were in the way and had to leave. I was furious.”

Customer Matthew Haynes said: “It’s out of order. It’s not very nice out here.”

Desmond Credden added: “It’s despicable. At the end of the day, they’re doing it for charity.”

Store manager John Russell said: “On Saturday we were busy and it was a Lottery rollover and they were by the kiosk. We asked them to move to the atrium where most of our collectors sit. I said ‘if the weather gets worse don’t hesitate to ask if you can move back inside’.

“We have spoken to the sellers this morning and got them back inside. I did explain if it’s busy we might have to ask them to move back to the atrium.”

He added: “We are happy to welcome the British Legion with open arms.”