A LEADING Bolton LGBT activist said more still needs to be done to stamp out homophobia at home and across the globe.

James Edgington, director and co-founder of Bolton Pride, warned of a ‘new generation’ of prejudice in society, as Britain marks 50 years this week since the decriminalisation of homosexuality.

On July 27 1967 the Sexual Offences Act was passed, meaning it was no longer illegal for two men to be in a relationship in England and Wales.

Mr Edgington said: “Obviously it was a massive step that happened and a lot of brave people were involved in making that happen. But at the same time this week we have seen horrific things in America, with President Trump banning15,000 people from the US military for being transgender, so obviously there is a lot of work still to be done.”

Mr Edgington, aged 33, said he remembers talking to friends when he was at school, believing that when he reached his 30s prejudice would be gone.

He added: “But there’s now a new generation of people who have those prejudices.

“Whether that’s because of what they’re used to hearing in their family or certain types of media they are exposed to, I don’t know, but it’s clear that we have to keep on fighting against prejudice.”

He said he decided to start Bolton Pride because of a huge increase in hate crime in Bolton, particularly in homophobic crimes. Hate crimes against LGBT people rose by 135 per cent from February 2014 to February 2015. Soon after, Mr Edgington started planning the town’s first Pride event.

“The stats were horrendous and it was clear to me that something needed to be done,” said the actor and singer from Harwood. “Of course we have made great progress but there is still an awful lot needed to be done in our own community.

“And worldwide there is so much to do – in 72 countries homosexuality is still illegal.

“It is not just that it is illegal, but people are being killed and stoned for being gay.”

Bolton’s third annual Pride event will take place over four days from Friday September 29 to Monday October 2. Events will include a vigil for victims of LGBT hate crime and a parade through the town centre.