CLARETS stars Clarke Carlisle and Graham Alexander teamed up with secondary school pupils from Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale for an anti-racism education day.

Lancashire National Union of Teachers joined forces with campaign groups Show Racism the Red Card and Love Music Hate Racism to provide a day of music, videos and workshops, held at Towneley Park City Learning Centre.

Pupils from Unity, Shuttleworth, Sir John Thursby, Pendle Vale, Blessed Trinity, Whitworth and Alder Grange, took part.

After being entertained by the rap artist Kof, Carlisle and Alexander held a question and answer session.

Carlisle said: “It is a privilege to be involved in events like this where we can use our own experiences to inform and educate the leaders of tomorrow.

"It has a double benefit because teaching how to give respect increases our appreciation of what is necessary in this day and age.”

Alexander added: “Working with the young people showed us their respect for each other. Even if they are not experiencing racism themselves, they appreciate it is happening to their friends.

"Also their questions made me realise that I have been at the receiving end of racism, even though I did not realise it at the time.”

Andrea Bullon, CLC centre manager, said: "It was a fantastic day and we were thrilled to have our local football stars here to bring home the message."

Ken Cridland, NUT Lancashire Divisional Secretary, said: "The powerful message that the workshops, videos, discussions, music and footballers gave out in order for racism not to flourish was: learn from each other; understand each other; and respect each other."