AN ANTI-racism campaigner says tolerance is increasing on Teesside.

"It's getting better, though there are still a lot barriers to be broken down,'' said Sade Sangowawa, a cultural consultant and trainer, based at Stockton.

She takes her message of tolerance into schools and organises educational workshops.

"People tend to call me in because I am needed,'' she said.

"There is still racism, no doubt about it, but I don't think it's getting worse. More people are prepared to stand up against it and it is more difficult for people to get away with racism.

"People have done a lot of work in this area, to ensure we all get along.''

A Black Carnival, involving Teesside's ethnic groups, is planned for Middlesbrough in October, along with workshops, and an awards evening for organisations, firms and individuals who have contributed to fighting racism.