A WORCESTER veteran who served in the Second World War says he is disgusted at suggestions that payments to war graves gardeners abroad could be cut.

An independent investigation into the pay structure of the gardeners' allowances will report directly to the War Graves Commission.

Its findings will then form the basis of the way the money is paid and any restructuring that needs to take place.

But John Hewlett says plans to save £500,000 on the overseas gardeners' allowances is an insult to all those who served during the two world wars.

Mr Hewlett, chairman of the Worcester branch of the Royal British Legion, served in the Far East in the Royal Navy during the Second World War.

"I'm absolutely disgusted that the gardeners may be receiving less money to look after the war graves," said Mr Hewlett, of Windsor Avenue, St John's.

"It's an absolute insult to all the men who fought in the war. I find it deeply upsetting. We must always show our respects to those who gave their lives so we could have freedom.

"I just can't understand why they want to cut their wages. These gardeners do a fantastic job."

Hereford MP and Shadow Defence Minister Paul Keetch also believes war grave gardeners' allowances should not be cut.

"The war graves are a powerful reminder of the immense sacrifices made by those who served in the British Forces," he said.

"They must be protected as permanent memorials to those who gave their lives to secure our freedom.

"This protection of war graves must not take second place to the up-grading of offices, nor be undermined by pennypinching tactics."

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Defence said the gardeners' allowances are paid by the War Graves Commission, which is funded by the Ministry of Defence and other governments.

"We have not changed the funding which we give to the commission," she said. "But there will be an investigation in the future to look at funding but at the moment we don't know when that will be."

Derek Prodger, former Worcester Mayor and vice-chairman of South and South West Midlands War Pensioners Committee, said he thought any cuts would be unnecessary.

"It is quite unbelievable," he said. "It is an insult to those who served during the war."