A COMMUNITY event in Skipton, aimed at bringing women from different backgrounds together, was blighted by apparent racism.

A women's day was held at the town hall, but comments alleged to be from nearby stall holders and customers resulted in an official complaint being made to Craven District Council.

The comments were directed at Asian women from Broughton Road Women's Group.

Some people, including one who attended the event, said they felt uncomfortable about the women wearing traditional dress. Others said they did not belong at the event, or, indeed, in the town.

Volunteer facilitator for the group Jo Ashby said she overheard the comments.

"This kind of thing shocks me every time," she told the Herald. "I heard the comments, but didn't say anything to the women because I didn't want to knock their confidence.

"I just want people to know that these women are wonderful people who just want to bring their children up in a safe environment in Craven.

"Things like this don't help. The event was one way of saying they are here in the community, they have shown their faces now and we'll go forward and get involved with other events."

More than 100 people attended the event, organised under the umbrella of Craven Connecting Communities, based in South Craven.

Manager Sandie Milthorpe said it was the first event of its kind to be held in the area and that it would take time to reverse prejudices. "It's going to take a long time, we don't want to antagonise anyone, it will just make it worse.

"It's about looking at the reasons why people think the way they do and say the things they do. It's about building up relationships."

Skipton councillor Paul English said the comments were "completely unacceptable". "We are talking about fourth and fifth generations who have more right to be in Skipton probably than me, who is from Liverpool.

"Obviously there is education required and these sorts of comments need to be condemned."

Miss Milthorpe complained to Craven District Council and said her comments were dealt with swiftly.

A council spokeswoman said: "The council does not tolerate racism and we were concerned to hear of the issues raised in this complaint. It is currently being investigated and we have no further details at this stage."