IN these times when simply switching on the television and watching the news can leave you feeling shocked, distressed or simply worried - I was not expecting to hear a local news story that eclipsed these feelings 10 fold.

IN these times when simply switching on the television and watching the news can leave you feeling shocked, distressed or simply worried - I was not expecting to hear a local news story that eclipsed these feelings 10 fold.

Many years ago I took my now 21-year-old son to a quiet corner of the park in Oulton Broad and discovered Pets Corner, a beautiful little haven where children are able to stroke, cuddle and feed small animals and birds, giggle at the antics of the goats and watch snakes and lizards safely in glass enclosures.

In the following years my 16-year-old daughter enjoyed this place also and I watched with joy over the months as her baby talk of 'quack-quacks' turned to 'ducks' and she proudly carried home her first baby rabbit, with all the good advice on feeding and bedding that they could offer still ringing in our ears.

We visited Pets Corner many times over the years until the children became too old but I now have a two-year-old son who is discovering the pleasures that many have experienced before him.

The sheer mindless violence and destruction that occurred over the weekend is simply heartbreaking but the manner in which the owner and staff have responded is uplifting.

I offer no thoughts or feelings about those who carried out this act; my mind cannot even begin to comprehend it. My feelings will be shown in support and I for one will make sure that whatever the weather I will pay a visit this weekend - these sorts of acts will never win in the end.

TANIA POSTILL

Killick Crescent

Carlton Colville

This wins our Letter of the Week Award and the writer will receive a bouquet courtesy of Sansom's Florists.