There’s been a furious reaction on social media after campaigners called for a charity showing of war film Zulu to be pulled due to its "racist overtones".

The 1964 classic is to be aired at Folkestone’s Silver Screen Cinema on Saturday to raise aid for armed forces charity SSAFA.

But 28 people protested against the screening in an open letter to Folkestone Mayor and district councillor Ann Berry saying it could have "a negative effect on relationships within the changing and richly diverse communities here in Folkestone".

It prompted a backlash on social media with a combined total of more than 300 comments on the KentOnline story and on our Twitter and Facebook pages.

Commenting on the KentOnline story, Colin McManus wrote: “Who are these faceless campaigners, all staying anonymous?

“It's a bit of fiction with truth as its background. The men who fought at Rourkes Drift earned their Victoria Crosses against vast odds of survival.

“What's wrong with a bit of poetic licence?

“Can someone please explain to me where the racist overtones are depicted in this movie?

“Get real you snowflakes, this is the 21st century.”

His comments were backed up by Angry from Aylesford, who wrote: “History happened, can’t hide from it and history forgotten is history repeated they say.

“Good and bad, films reflecting it should be available.

“If people feel that they might feel upset or offended- don’t look at them.”

His views were backed up by Madrox, who posted: “Why not allow people to make their own mind up, look up the film, decide whether or not to watch it?

“If it is not for them, great, if it is great.

“Why should other people decide what forms of entertainment are acceptable for others?

“I do not enjoy a lot of the current music available, however, I won’t try to stop people listening to something they enjoy, no matter if it is death metal, drill rap, horrorcore or techno trance.

“It is called a choice, it is theirs, you have yours.

“Sometimes these differences can lead to some fantastic conversations.”

Another angry at the call to ban the film was Pab_Low, who posted: “Do these people really have nothing better to do with their lives?

“Attacking a fundraiser for war veterans... shameful.

“All the truly awful things that go on in this world and an outdated piece of cinema history is what upsets you?

“Come off it, nobody is going to watch this mediocre film and suddenly become a racist, stop perpetuating the nonsense argument that movies turn people into violent morons.”