Sir, Could I thank everyone who took part in Meat Free Week recently, and to the Witney Gazette for covering the event.

It was the first time it had ever been held in the UK after running successfully for a number of years in Australia.

It was really encouraging to see so many local people getting involved and taking part.

Special thanks to Witney’s Eden Café who also got involved and helped make it a real community effort.

So far over £8,000 has been raised with the deadline for returning sponsorship fast approaching.

The funds will shortly be heading to the three nominated charities – Beating Bowel Cancer, The World Land Trust and Compassion in World Farming.

Meat Free Week was all about getting people to think about the impact eating excessive amounts of meat can have on your health, the impact meat production has on our planet and raising awareness of farming practices.

I’m sure Meat Free Week 2016 will be even bigger and better.

Andrew Coles
District councillor
Witney Central