PRIMARY school pupils spent the day taking part in a series of anti-racism workshops with the help of a former professional footballer.

Former Sunderland player Gary Bennett, together with anti-racism education worker Cat Hutchinson, spoke to the youngsters at Copeland Road Primary School, in West Auckland, yesterday.

The visit was part of the Show Racism the Red Card project, which aims to give young people a real understanding of the effects of racism on the individuals who experience it, and on the wider community in which they live.

Funding is provided through the office of Ron Hogg, Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington, and he was in attendance yesterday to see the scheme in action.

Pupils took part in some fitness exercises, spoke about the effects of racism and teachers were also given training on the subject after school.

Robin Nodding, headteacher for Copeland Road Primary School, said: “We encourage the children to speak about what they have concerns about and any issues.

“It is about them asking questions and giving them a better understanding.”

Mr Hogg added: “We have funded this for about four years now and it has gone down exceedingly well. I have had nothing but positive feedback and we plan to continue with it.”