I attended the annual bonfire procession in Firle and was shocked that part of the "celebrations" included the burning of a gypsy caravan (The Argus, October 29).

Worse still, the caravan contained effigies of a family in residence, including children looking out of the windows.

The crowd were encouraged to chant "Burn them! Burn them!" by a man dressed as a minister of the church.

I wondered if I had been transported back in time to Nazi Germany.

By coincidence, this week the Commission for Racial Equality launched a new initiative to challenge the discrimination faced by gypsies and travellers.

The document speaks of "appalling levels of discrimination" and "extreme levels of public hostility".

Well, we have an example of this on our doorstep. I have always enjoyed the pageantry of the Lewes bonfire and the smaller local bonfire societies. Their fireworks are impressive and the processions are marked by stunning costumes.

These are so often wonderful family occasions so what a shame it has to be sullied by racism.

-Andy Porter, Hove