SENIOR police officers and a Paralympic gold medallist are among those attending a seminar against hate crime in Darlington today. (Tuesday, June 2)

The event is the second in a series organised by Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg and is aimed at shining a spotlight on hate crime and what is being done to tackle it.

A range of inspirational speakers will feature including Paralympic discus thrower Stephen Miller, from Cramlington, who has won three Games gold medals since 1996.

Other speakers include Chief Superintendent Graham Hall of Durham Constabulary and Deputy Chief Constable Michael Banks.

Mr Hogg said: “Reducing the impact of hate crime still remains one of my personal priorities and features in my refreshed Police and Crime Plan.

“Following on from last year’s seminar, good progress has been made to tackle hate crime locally.

“I recognise that there is still much to do to confront hate crime and tackle the scale of under-reporting.

“It is vital we continue to work closely with our partners and voluntary sector organisations to ensure that victims feel confident in coming forward.”

New community initiatives aimed at supporting victims of hate crime will also be launched at the event, which is taking place at Central Hall, in the Dolphin Centre.