REPRESENTATIVES from numerous West Yorkshire organisations, from public bodies to sports clubs, have signed a pledge to “root out racism.”

The anti-racism movement has been developed by West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership and the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit alongside nearly 500 organisations and community allies.

Yesterday Root Out Racism launch events were held throughout West Yorkshire, with the Bradflrd launch taking place in City Park.

Representatives from Bradford Council, including Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe, Chief Executive Kersten England and Lord Mayor Shabir Hussain, as well as West Yorkshire Police, including Bradford District Commander, Chief Superintendent Daniel Greenwood, Bradford University, sports teams and the local business community, all signed a pledge to tackle racism.

People took turns to sign a huge banner that had been placed in the park - pledging to do all they can to deal with racism in all its forms.

The event also featured performances from local artists, including the Persian Paddleboarder, and a seed and plant swap.

There was also information stalls promoting the existing work of community groups and key partners to tackle racism as well as demonstrating projects that are already building bridges across communities.

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Similar launch events took place in Kirklees, Leeds and Calderdale.

Alison Lowe, West Yorkshire's Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said: "The support generated across West Yorkshire for this anti racism movement represents yet another step towards meaningful and real change.

"As a black woman I can tell you that I have been on the receiving end of racism over the years, which has left me feeling scared and disengaged from society.

"This unified approach to rejecting such behaviours and practices however, means we are pushing open the door yet another notch, confronting the negative stereotypes and perceptions that exist."

People can register to join the movement by visiting http://ow.ly/lWB250FBmYt