A war veterans club has slammed people who pretend they have served for their country and thinks a new law should be put in place to prevent it.

It comes after Dartford MP appeared on BBC's The One Show speaking about the subject.

The social club, that meets in Clarence Place, Gravesend, has criticised fraudsters that "undermine the efforts" of actual heroes.

Spokesman Charlotte Summers said: "I completely agree that a law should be passed to prevent people posing or masquerading as ex service men and women.

"Doing so de-values and undermines the efforts, contributions, heart and courage of our serving military and those that have dedicated their lives to protecting queen and country.

"Our serving military and our veterans have committed to service which requires, strength, courage, bravery and integrity and they follow an ethos which often requires great sacrifice.

"They have lost comrades, had to be parted from their families and many retire from the military with PTSD or other such related health issues.

"Someone who poses to have lived this life in exchange for the glory of stolen valour shows a huge ignorance and is disrespectful to the brave men and women who have served in our military services."

Dartford's Gareth Johnson (Con) thinks the UK should adopt laws similar to other countries that prevent 'Walter Mitty' types of people pretending they have served or earned medals they haven't.

Mr Johnson had previously proposed a stolen valour Private Members Bill, which would bring in a law to prevent this fraud, but was unsuccessful in the House of Commons.

He said: “It is deeply offensive for people to claim they are heroes by displaying medals they have not won and it undermines those veterans who have legitimately earned these rewards.

“Many countries around the world prevent ‘Walter Mitty’ types from stealing valour from genuine heroes but not this country. This is wrong and there should be a law that prevents people fraudulently wearing medals they have not earned themselves.

“Unfortunately my Private Members Bill on this issue was not successful but I hope we will be able to change the law in the future. We have a rich military history in this country and many brave people who have served our country and who deserve protection from fraudsters.

“This is a particularly poignant issue at this time of year and I am disappointed that another Remembrance Sunday will pass with anyone being able to parade in medals they are not entitled to wear without any fear of being held to account.”

He appeared on BBC's The One Show on Tuesday, discussing the matter and role that some vigilante groups plays in calling these 'fraudsters' out publicly.

He said: "It's probably not surprising that we have vigilante groups that are trying to take action on this because the law isn't there to protect these people.

"But with any kind of vigilante group things can wrong, that's why I think we should have a law the genuinely and legitimately protects real heroes."