Dear Sir - I'm calling up on all of the readers of the Whitehaven News to contact the editor of the News of the World to ask that they make a generous donation to the Cumbria Foundation following their scurrilous reporting following the shootings.

The News of the World profited at the grief and misfortune of others. Please write to the newspaper

So Brian Parnaby (letters, 8th July) is “concerned” that the Freedom of Copeland was awarded to local cadet organisations and wants to “put it into perspective”. I would like to take a couple of minutes to do just that.

The Freedom of the Borough was awarded to the Armed Forces in recognition of their bravery in conflict, and to the cadets for their support of and contribution to the community over many years. Same award, different reason. So why not make a similar award to the emergency services, or to the others he suggested? A couple of reasons.

First, granting the Freedom is a special honour and to award it to everyone we might consider are deserving would simply devalue it. It would no longer be special.

Second, it has to be a unanimous decision by the whole Council rather than a majority. Just one dissenting Member means that it cannot be awarded.

Finally, can I just say that if Mr Parnaby wishes to check he will find that during their history – well over 70 years in Copeland – various cadets have rescued or assisted in the rescue of others, at times putting their own lives at risk. And as for awarding the Freedom to the Veterans, I think one of the Sea Cadet officers summed it up when he said that the award recognised the contributions of all, past and present.

To the Cadets - there are a lot of people who appreciate you, and what you do. Congratulations, well done and well deserved.

To Mr Parnaby - don't be so mean spiritied. Smile, and be happy for all the recipients.