The Royal British Legion has said that it is working to make sure that its poppy is “never again” used in political campaign material after it appeared on a UK Independence Party candidate’s literature.

Ukip’s candidate for north east Cambridgeshire, Andrew Charalambous, who is the party’s housing spokesman, included an image of a poppy alongside a photo of Ukip leader, Nigel Farage, in an advert that appeared in a local newspaper.

A spokesman for the charity said: “The Legion red poppy is the registered trademark and device of the Royal British Legion and its only lawful use in is the support of our charity and the Poppy Appeal.

“The poppy is entirely non-political, non-partisan and non-sectarian, and its use in this context is entirely unacceptable. We will take all necessary steps to ensure that this does not happen again.

“We greatly regret that the universal symbol of valour and sacrifice has been tainted for crass partisan ends and call on all candidates in the general election to respect the nation’s treasured symbol of remembrance and hope.”

A Ukip spokesman said: "Mr Charalambous is embarrassed and deeply apologetic that he used the Royal British Legion poppy in his advertisement.

"A member of the Royal British Legion for many years, he apologises profusely. He is adamant he will not do so again."