IT is without a doubt that throughout this town and country there are some fantastic charities and charity workers doing some amazing work and fundraising for some excellent causes.

I, myself, over the years, like many others, have done some fundraising and also given cash towards various groups.

However, I believe that it is the person's individual choice to make a donation if they so wish and people should not be made to feel guilty or pestered by groups/persons.

What I mean by this is if you go into a certain supermarket one day, then the gym the next and the following day make a trip to a garden centre and are confronted by the same group/people at each venue rattling a tin, making you feel like you have to make a contribution every time.

Also, when you're out relaxing in the pub and you get people coming round trying to sell you badges/roses for this charity and that charity. When you say no thank you, you feel some embarrassment and guilt at times that you haven't given anything.

Please don't misunderstand what I am saying, I am in no way against fundraising and charity work, but do believe there is a time and place to collect.

And I do worry that more and more people will get fed up if every time they go out to the shops or pub they feel obliged to put their hand in their pocket by the same group/persons.

Andy C, Humberston (full address supplied).

The Telegraph says

Andy's point is a good one and one that has been heard elsewhere. Certainly, charities should be allowed to collect – but people also do have the right to say no and that right should be respected. The real root of the matter here is that charities are so desperate for money in the first place. If these are good causes that benefit the lives of others, they really should not have to "beg" for money in today's modern world – should they?