I WAS embarrassed to be British! I have lived in Bury all my life. Over the weekend I accompanied my friend, who is Greek, and two of his friends who live in London (originally from Iran), to Bolton as we know of a really nice Persian restaurant.

Before the meal, we popped into a pub. At first I didn't realise that the shouts were aimed at us. We got our drinks and sat down. It became very apparent that racist comments were being thrown in our direction.

I could not believe that this sort of thing would happen. We didn't look threatening. I am 45-years-old and my friend is of a similar age.

The comments that were being thrown at us were that they didn't like their tax being spent on the likes of them. All four of us are in good jobs. None of us get any help from the Government.

In the end we finished our drinks and had to leave as we felt that violence would soon follow. The yobs were obviously drunk. One "gentleman" who was joining in was grey-haired. I would have expected it from the young voicing their ignorant thoughts, but these were 30 years upwards.

It was embarrassing, but thank you, residents of Bolton, for an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

(Name and address supplied)