YOUNG people at Rivington and Blackrod High School pledged to make a stand against hate crime to mark this year's Anti-Bullying Week.

Every year young people in schools use the occasion to show their commitment to stamp out bullying and the Horwich school marked the week with a series of different events.

Pupils have been discussing hate crimes involving disability, homophobia and religion and they have learned about the effects they can have both on individuals and the community.

Sylvia Lancaster, whose daughter Sophie was murdered in Bacup for the way that she dressed, spoke to young people about the consequences of hate crime.

Students also listened to the story of Adam Rogers, from the charity "Every Action Has Consequences" who was killed in Blackburn town centre while trying to act as a peacekeeper.

Mrs Lancaster said: “We are really pleased to have been able to contribute to anti-bullying week at Rivington and Blackrod High School and Sixth Form. We hope our message of tolerance and prejudice will continue to be taken on board by so many young people.”

Tony Purcell, headteacher, said: “The anti-bullying campaign is very important to us, as we want each and every young person to feel safe both within school and our community.

"Anti-bullying week gives us the opportunity to highlight key messages, and continue the work that we do to reinforce the message that any type of bullying is not acceptable nor will it be tolerated in school or any area of life.

"This weeks’ focus on ‘hate crime’ has been a very powerful one, as students have seen for themselves the real life consequences of these crimes. We thank all of those who have helped us to deliver this message to so many.”