An anti-war protester who claims he defaced the Poppy Appeal posters in Medway has written a personal apology to the widow pictured in the advert.

Two Royal British Legion billboards in Gillingham town centre were vandalised last week.

The slogan, For their sake; wear a Poppy was changed to For their sake; prosecute Blair.

Now the person who claims they changed the posters has stepped forward to apologise for their actions.

They have sent an open letter to Hester Wright, who is featured in the advert with her son Joshua, six, from Mansfield.

Hester’s husband Private Damian Wright was 23 when he was killed by a roadside bomb in 2007.

The letter of apology is also addressed to Pte Wright’s mother Debbie Smalley and the Royal British Legion.

The letter said: “As the person responsible for modifying the poppy appeal poster next to Gillingham station (and another not far away), I’d like to apologise for any offence caused.

“There was no intent to dishonour anyone (Blair excluded) and I meant no disrespect to either the Royal British Legion and its supporters, nor to the family of Damian Wright.

"I was really shocked to hear about the upset this has apparently caused. I’d never dreamt my efforts would lead to the national media probing mother and widow about their feelings on vandalism.

"Personally I don’t consider rewording the poster to be an act of vandalism and I don’t for a moment think that it will have adversely impacted on the fund raising efforts of the poppy appeal.”

Despite coming forward, the protester has refused to identify themselves.

They end the letter with: “Some commentators have said I should be ashamed of what I did - but I am only ashamed I do not have the courage to identify myself.

"Those who should really be ashamed are those who make a mockery of our democracy, abuse our nation’s history, and betray the positions of power entrusted to them.

"So, I am truly sorry for any upset caused to the family and friends of those who appear on the posters, or to those who have served this country, but I stand by my message.

"Let’s prosecute our corrupt politicians and bring the troops home before Christmas. Sadly anonymous.”