SCHOOLS across Redcar and Cleveland are getting a real kick out of a series of 23 anti-racism workshops aimed at delivering the message, Show Racism the Red Card.

The Council presented the national organisation, Show Racism the Red Card, with a £15,000 cheque before Boro's Championship clash with Bristol City at the Riverside Stadium.

Barbir Noor, the Council's Community Cohesion Officer, presentied the cheque to Boro fan and Show Racism the Red Card supporter Norma Stephenson, the former 2007 Unison president, who made Show Racism the Red Card her presidential project during her year of office.

Council Leader Cllr George Dunning and Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education Cllr Ian Jeffrey were pitchside to watch the presentation and give their support.

Councillor Jeffrey said: "We regard the cost of the year's partnership with Show Racism the Red Card money very well spent.

"It is so important to educate everyone to detest racism in all its shapes and forms and we are very fortunate to have some excellent role models to deliver a mix of serious messages and fun and games that will be delivered to our schools."



Craig Bankhead, Show Racism the Red Card's community education manager, said: "We're very pleased to be working alongside the Council in combating racism in the borough.

"We've already delivered several very successful workshops in local schools and they're really making a difference to young people's attitudes.

"Using the role model status of ex-professional football players is a great way of tackling the issue because young people can see how football teams work together regardless of skin colour, religion, nationality or culture."

Former Boro stars Curtis Fleming and Dean Gordon, ex-Newcastle defender John Anderson and former Sunderland skipper Gary Bennett have been delivering lessons on anti-racism alongside football training.