As the county’s only daily newspaper, we feature a number of charities.

All do fantastic work in the community but perhaps none more so than Rockinghorse.

That is why to hear they have been forced to cancel their event is particularly shocking.

It is understandable that people will have different opinions on sports involving animals. And it is only right that there is a debate on the issue.

However, for a group to target a charity for choosing to hold a fundraiser at a dog track is despicable. Those behind the vile messages, who targeted the hardworking staff and volunteers at the charity, should be ashamed of themselves.

They clearly do not agree with greyhound racing. That is fine. There is clearly a debate to be had.

But why on earth did they think this was the right way to go about it? They should focus their efforts on the racing industry and those in positions of power in the sport if it is as cruel as they make out.

What they have done on this occasion is pick on a weak target. They have bullied those behind the event and forced their hand into cancelling.

As a result the children’s charity has lost out on an expected £5,000 which was to be spent on lifesaving hospital equipment.

Times are hard for charities and events such as this are a lifeline. They need all the help they can get and attacks such as this are not only frightening for those involved but also financially crippling.

If those behind the attack have any decency, they will issue a full apology and make a donation to one of this county’s top charities.