THE mother of murdered Bacup teenager Sophie Lancaster has addressed trainee nurses about tolerance of different lifestyles.

Sylvia Lancaster made a presentation to students at Salford University Nursing School earlier this week.

The Stamping Out Prejudice Hatred Intolerance Everywhere (SOPHIE) website said: “Sylvia’s presentation provoked a very powerful response from the students and staff.

“We hope it will help them as they work with ‘alternative’ patients in their caring careers.”

Staff nurse Lesley Holland responded to the training.

She said: “I was a student nurse in Salford as it would accept me with a Mohican and piercings. My appearance is a little different, but still wearing my docs and SOPHIE band.

“Keep up the good work.”