A CANDELIT vigil saw people gather to pay tribute to victims of hate crime on Saturday.

A minute’s silence was held at Darlington’s Market Cross before campaigners delivered speeches and urged passers-by to reflect on the devastating impact of hatred.

The event was organised by Darlington’s White Rose Movement, a group that was founded to promote peace in the wake of MP Jo Cox’s murder at the hands of a known racist.

Speakers included White Rose co-founder Peter Greenwood, Stonewall representative Philippa Scrafton, Sajna Miah of Darlington’s BME Network and activist Kathryn McCall.

Mr Greenwood said: “Campaigners against bigotry gathered and spoke to passers-by about the rise in hate crime since the European referendum and held a minute’s silence in memory of victims both locally and nationally.

“Speakers emphasised the need to report hate crimes and incidents to the police, whether the attack was on someone’s nationality, faith, gender or disability.

“They also urged those whose views clashed to engage in discussion rather than belligerence.”

For more information, visit whiterosedarlington.com.