The police and council have teamed up to deliver events in Welwyn Hatfield to raise awareness about hate crime.

The initiative is part of Hate Crime Awareness Week, which runs from October 12 to October 19.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (WHBC) and Hertfordshire police will be holding community engagement events in the town centre and in the Galleria.

Councillor Sandreni Bonfante, executive member for environment, said: "Hate crimes are serious crimes and should not be tolerated in today’s society.

"I hope that these events will help raise awareness about hate crimes and I would encourage anyone that has been harassed, abused or assaulted because of who they are or what they believe in, to report what has happened to them to the police or if they feel more comfortable, by talking to Hate Crime Champions at WHBC."

Inspector Amy Sheldon, from the Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, added: "We are pleased to join colleagues at Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council for these events during Hate Crime Awareness Week.

"We take hate crime extremely seriously and the constabulary has dedicated Hate Crime Officers who are specially trained to help victims."

The events will take place on October 15 and October 17, from 11am to 2pm, at the Howard Centre and the Galleria respectively.