Council refuses to back charity event for wounded British soldiers - in case it offends ethnic minorities

A council refused to back a military charity event for fear of offending minority groups.

Richard Chamberlain had applied for a £500 grant to help him raise cash for Help for Heroes, which cares for wounded soldiers.

But Portsmouth City Council turned down the 57-year-old, saying in a letter: 'The event could cause offence to ethnic minority groups living in the community who may also have experience of injury/violence due to the war.'

Portsmouth is well known for its links with the Navy, yet councillors initially rejected the request for a grant to help raise cash for wounded soldiers

After further appeals, council chiefs backed down and agreed to fully support the fun day on September 20.

'I am absolutely over the moon that they have changed their minds,' said Mr Chamberlain yesterday. 'When you think of Portsmouth you think of ships and the navy. This is a military town and has been for years.'

Steven Wylie, a senior councillor, admitted that the initial decision was an error of judgment.

He said: 'I would like to apologise unreservedly for any offence caused by the decision to turn down an application for funding.'