HUNDREDS of primary school pupils from Haydon Wick showed racism the red card in a moving display.

With Black History Month in full swing and a day dedicated to this gesture coming up on Saturday, schoolchildren got together in a park next to their school along with members of the black community to stand up to bigotry and hatred.

After creating the clever image, Green Meadow and Haydon Wick Primary School pupils attended special assemblies led by the inspirational speaker, vicar, and advisor to bishops on racism matters, Catherine Okoronkwo which highlighted how racism persists and what can be done to stop it.

They watched a video put together by Bose Patrick-Okoh which featured stories on how racism has affected the lives of members of the area's black community.

Simon Raisey first thought up the idea for the event while working as Morrison’s Haydon Wick community champion.

Bose said: "I have always wanted to lend my voice to advocate stopping racism within our local community, being the chairperson of Swindon Nigerian Women Association and an elected parish councillor.

"When Simon mentioned his idea, I gladly volunteered to participate and add value to the project as a member of the community who has experienced racism first-hand. I thought making a video of real-life experiences will bring home the point and give the awareness needed’’.

Chairman of Haydon Wick Parish Council Coun Vinay Manro captured the impressive display on a drone. He said: "This is a powerful message. A picture says a thousand words.

"Promoting anti-racism and youth engagement is so important. It's a great chance to educate the kids to remember that no matter how differently we look, act or sound, we are all the same."

Simon Raisey, who now works for the participation team at Swindon Borough Council, added: "I wanted to create an event which would bring schools and the community together.

"I chose 'Show racism the red card' because racism continues to be prevalent in the news and certain sporting events have highlighted that even high-profile stars are still subject to very open and aggressive racism.”

He's now looking to recruit young people aged 13 to 18 from different backgrounds to join Swindon's first youth council. Apply by contacting Chloe Wolfe at cwolfe@swindon.gov.uk

Simon added: "We want to be as diverse and inclusive as possible to represent the rich community Swindon has grown and work on initiatives promoting equality in the future.”