A COUNCIL boss has reiterated his stance on hate crime as National Hate Crime Awareness Week begins.

Blackburn with Darwen Council members unanimously agreed a motion against hate crime in July 2016.

And now leader of the council, Cllr Mohammed Khan, has reinforced his views.

He said: "As a council we will not tolerate hate crime in any form in Blackburn with Darwen.

"Two years ago all councillors were unanimous in their support for a motion that highlights our commitment to ensuring hate crime does not become acceptable in our communities.

"We continue to stand firm in our zero tolerance approach to crimes of this nature."

Hate Crime Awareness Week runs from October 13 to 20.

During the week, Lancashire Police is encouraging people across the county to sign up to their #SayNoToHate pledge.

In Blackburn between 1pm and 4pm on Wednesday, the Care Network Hub in Town Hall Street is hosting a Hate Crime Awareness Week event, run by Resolve, Care Network’s peer support group for people who have experienced hate crime.

And during half term Blackburn Youth Zone is taking a group of young people away on a five day residential aimed at exploring themes around hate crime.

The #OneBlackburn – Don’t Hate, Educate trip aims to teach young people aged 12 to 14 years about what counts as hate crime and how we can all work together to challenge it.