I have hosted foreign students, mainly German but not always, for many years and am well aware of the increase in harassment by local young people.

This last event was really shocking as well as the other events this year.

My two young German students witnessed the attack on their leader and were extremely shocked. I am glad to say it has not spoilt their great enjoyment of their experience in Scarborough.

I am frequently ashamed to be British when we learn of appalling behaviour by young and older Brits abroad.

Now I am often ashamed to be a Scarborian!

Fortunately, it is only a very small proportion of the young people in our town who behave in this appalling fashion against foreign students – usually when drunk and beyond the control of their families – and of course they are the ones who we all notice most.

I believe that within these groups there are young people who would not normally be involved but are afraid to be "different". This is so sad.

There are so many wonderful young people doing great things for our town and their own communities, which are frequently reported in the Evening News. They are to be celebrated and, hopefully, will have some effect on their peers. A vain hope?

Sue Kennedy

Ashville Avenue

Scarborough