A gang screamed "worthy w******s" at three charity walkers before pelting them with stones and beating them up, leaving one with a horrendous gash on his face.

Gareth Cottrell was slashed with a key and suffered a wound that needed 10 stitches while his younger brother Fraser, aged just 15, and their friend Josh Fitzpatrick were mercilessly punched and kicked.
¬I think fighting is a form of entertainment for these people.¬
The vicious and unprovoked attack happened as the trio prepared for a gruelling 125-mile walk along the North Wales coastline to raise £1,000 for Cancer Research UK.

They had just passed a group of around 10 youngsters drinking cans of beer by a canal along their training route in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester.

One of the youths yelled the verbal taunt before pelting the walkers with stones as they tried to flee.

The gang caught up with the trio and launched their unprovoked attack.

Mr Cottrell, 26, said he noticed an older man aged around 40 approach them - but rather than help, the man waded in and slashed the walker's face with a key hidden in his hand.

Describing the attack as "crazy", the radio producer told the Daily Mail: "I just cannot believe you can be targeted by yobs simply for wanting to help others.

"I think fighting is a form of entertainment for these people.

"I'm a peaceful person. I don't fight, I don't swear or drink much... maybe they wanted to pick on us a bit."

Greater Manchester Police has confirmed it is investigating the assault.