Authorities have ordered Havering cadets to not wear their uniforms on the streets for fear they may be targeted by hate campaigners.

Central London air cadet bosses issued local squadrons with the precaution to help keep teenagers safe in the aftermath of Lee Rigby’s killing in Woolwich last week.

Squadron leaders were told to ensure their cadets do not wear either of their two uniforms on the street or on public transport – but to get changed when they get to events or their meeting base in Romford.

Spokesmen for the Army Cadets and Sea Cadets said they were given the same advice from their HQs, but the Sea Cadets said that theirs has since been revised so their cadets can now wear their uniforms while travelling.

RAF Air Cadets Officer Commanding (OC) for Romford Richard Cottam said the advice was to protect their cadets from possible attacks similar to the one Lee Rigby faced when he was killed on the street.

He said: “They are teenage kids and not full Armed Forces and would be travelling on their own on public transport so the advice is to keep them safe and to be sensible.”

Advice was also being given about fundraisers that local cadets, aged 13 to 20, were taking part in.

In Barking and Dagenham a bag-packing event in a local Sainsbury’s store was cancelled last weekend and the squadron was told to keep a “low profile”.

OC Cottam said: “We haven’t been told to cancel our fundraiser yet. We have got one planned for this weekend.”

It will see 16 cadets and nine staff taking part in a 24-hour stretcher carry at a local park in order to raise funds for equipment.

Meanwhile, English Defence League (EDL) supporters plan a walk through Romford tomorrow (Saturday) in memory of Lee Rigby.

The Romford division of the far-right group plans to join a walk in Dagenham at 1pm before attending the Romford walk from 2.50pm in Romford Market to the war memorial in Main Road, where a wreath in memory of Lee Rigby will be laid.

In London EDL supporters marched through Trafalgar Square on Monday to demonstrate outside Downing Street. See p8-9 for the latest on the Woolwich atrocity.