MEET the young people whose mission it is to stamp out hate crime.

They are among the first Hate Crime Ambassadors in Greater Manchester who are trained by the police to have the necessary information and skills to identify and combat hate crime while promoting equality, the celebration of diversity and challenging discrimination.

The five year 10 Ladybridge High School pupils are taking part in a pilot scheme in which they received training from Greater Manchester Police and Bolton Council.

The aim is to raise awareness and reinforce the message they at there is no place for hate in society – and that being physically or verbally attacked because of gender, identity, sexual orientation, race, religion or disability is never acceptable.

The young people found themselves tackling their own prejudices in a powerful training session in which they met the brother of Sophie Lancaster, who was killed for dressing differently.

They were given images of people and asked who they would pick as a friend – none chose Sophie as a friend because of the way she dressed.

Now they are passing on what they have learnt and heard about to their friends in a bid to end hate crime in society.

Bisma Mahmood, aged 14, said she wanted to become an ambassador because her sister has down syndrome.

She said: “It was a powerful exercise, none of us would think we are judgemental but none of use chose the picture of Sophie.

“When we spoke to her brother, we found out she was just like us.

“It has changed the way I see people now.

“It is really important to raise awareness of hate crime, not to categorise people, and not to make judgements.

“I applied to join because of my sister because I want people to see those with disabilities as people, and not see their disability first.”

The training the young people received is already beginning to make a difference.

They have a special hoodie, identifying them as ambassadors, so young people feel confident in approaching them.

Megan Allpress, aged 14, said: “I am more aware of things going on.

“I could see a girl was being laughed at by others.

“I went to speak to her and made notes, and passed it on to a teacher. Now she is doing well.

“It makes me feel good that I was able to help someone because of my training.

“The training makes you see things differently and makes you more aware.”

Fuwad Bhurie, aged 14, said: “I applied because I wanted to make a difference and know how to deal with situations.

“You always want to help but sometimes don’t know how to, especially when you are one and there are lots of other people around.”

As part of the training, the young people heard about the devastating effects of hate crime on individuals, including being hit for being gay.

Katie Turner, aged 14, said: “I feel very privileged to be an ambassador to make a difference in the school and the community.

“We have been speaking to our friends about hate crime and what it is.

“In the future I would like to take assemblies.”

Satiya Yaya, aged 14, added: “It would be good for all young people to go on the course, it would stop society judging people, for example on their colour or creed.

“It would make everybody change their point of view.”

The school says it will continue to raise awareness and challenge hate crime.

Chris Morton, pastoral leader for year 10, added: “This school along with two others in Bolton have been asked to pilot the scheme.

“We had 40 applicants and these showed empathy and compassion, and had their own personal reasons for wanting to become ambassadors.

“We meet every few weeks to share ideas, one of the things I ask them to do is cut out articles they perceive to be hate crime and we discuss what we could have done.

“These ambassadors can spread the word and raise awareness of hate crime. They know not to put themselves in danger but what they can do.

“The ambassadors do feel empowered and we will continue to run with the scheme.”