Hate crimes can now be reported at a community centre as part of its services.

The Thornbury Centre on Leeds Old Road has been designated a Hate Incident Reporting Centre. It can take reports of racist or homophobic incidents, which people may not wish to raise at a police station. The service is co-ordinated by Bradford's Hate Crime Alliance, which wants people to report this type of crime.

Angela Maxwell, the centre's development manager, said: "Some people may not wish to report an incident directly to the police, but do want the police to be aware that it has happened. Being a Hate Incident Reporting Centre means that the people of Thornbury can report hate incidents confidentially, in a non-threatening environment."

Other services at the centre include advice on benefits, immigration, business start-ups and careers.

To contact the centre, telephone (01274) 666649. Details of other Hate Incident Reporting Centres in Bradford are available on (0800) 1381625.