Veterans have welcomed the redefinition of the iconic poppy by the Royal British Legion to include civilians and victims of terrorism.

This year the 98-year old charity has reclassified the renowned symbol that for so long represented remembrance of fallen military personnel.

It now encompasses civilian victims of war and terrorism and people in the emergency services.

“I don’t have a problem with that inclusion,” said Graham Stobbs, the army veteran behind the Veterans’ Hub Swindon Facebook group, who served in South Armagh with the Royal Green Jackets between 1991 and 1992.

“Each individual will have their own opinion, and it is probably a controversial topic with some. But the poppy has got to evolve,” he added. “The RBL and the poppy need to change with the times.”

The new definition came before the launch of the annual Poppy Appeal on October 24.

The RBL’s 40 million red poppies distributed each year now symbolise victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack as well as civilians killed in Europe during the Second World War, among many other conflicts.

Chairman of the RAF Association in Swindon, Andy Ormston said: “I think it is a very positive move.

"Although the poppy still retains its traditional meaning, and having had family who were killed in First World War I would never want that to be forgotten, what the British Legion has done is brought the poppy meaning more up to date.”

The veteran of the Gulf War in 1991 now works in the emergency services.

He said: “Having been involved in the emergency services, a lot of what the guys have seen and have to deal with is traumatising, and obviously also for the civilians involved. So that’s definitely a good move.”

The Royal British Legion’s ‘What is Remembrance’ web page now includes the sacrifice of the British and Commonwealth armed forces, the special contribution of families and emergency services and the innocent civilians who have died in conflict and acts of terrorism.

Andy added: “This move has made the poppy more personal and relevant. Hopefully it will increase the number of people who do take notice of the poppy and hopefully help give closure and future remembrance for people who have been affected or lost people more more recently.

“Yes we must appreciate and never forget what was done in those world wars, but also be appreciative of the sacrifices made in the more recent conflicts.”