PHOTOGRAPHERS are being invited to put Bolton in the frame and capture images of the town showing the community as one.

An Anti-Hate Photographic competition has been launched by Bolton Socialist Club.

Bolton West MP Julie Hilling helped to launch the competition aimed at promoting Bolton, where people live, work and play together as one community, regardless of race, religion, belief and lifestyle.

Chris Chilton,from the club, said: "The MP spoke of the broad scope of hate crime, whether it was the rising incidence of anti-semitism and islamaphobia, bullying, homophobia, racism and sexism.

"All were expressions of intolerance and ignorance and needed to be challenged at every level of society.

"She commended the competition for celebrating the diversity of the Bolton community, promoting a greater understanding and tolerance of difference, and for conveying a powerful message that there is far more that binds us together as a community than separates us.!

During the launch event members of the Clarion Choir sang Boff Whalley's song "Homophobia" and other anti-hate crime songs.

Competition coordinator Julia Simpkins said that while hate crime blighted the lives of many people, both young and old it was important to present positive images of tolerance and unity to help marginalise attitudes that were destructive for the community and devastating for the individual.

She said:“We want to mainstream tolerance, intelligence and a generosity of spirit."

As part of the competition, the club hope to have a teacher to work in Bolton schools to encourage discussion on issues around hate crime.

The competition is open to anyone over the age of 10 years. Schools and individuals interested in taking part should contact Julia Simpkins at Julia_simpkins@yahoo.co.uk by 31st July 2015 for further details.