A DISTRAUGHT mother claims someone is waging a hate campaign to blacken her reputation.

Mother of four Halima Richards, from Newton, has run the Newtonian Royals all-girl morris dancing troupe for the last four years and prides herself on her honesty with her young charges, especially where money is concerned.

So she was horrified when she found out that someone had made a serious, albeit anonymous allegation that she was stealing funds from the club.

She told the Star: "I was absolutely disgusted. Graffiti which was daubed on the side wall of Earlestown Labour Club where the dancing troupe hold practice sessions. It said "Halima Robs Funds" and was obviously referring to me because I have quite an unusual name. I didn't see it at first but a friend of my daughter's did and told her and she got straight in touch with me. I have since discovered that the same thing has been written on the C0-op wall in Patterson Street as well."

She added: "This is a totally unfounded accusation which not just myself, but my children are very upset about. To make matters worse, I have now started getting crank phone calls at my home from someone who doesn't say anything and then hangs up. It is beginning to frighten me and my youngest daughter, who is just 10 is terrified. She won't even leave the house to go to school."

Ann Goode, the dance club's treasurer, added: "The allegation against Halima is just ridiculous. She doesn't even handle the club funds - that is my department. There has never been any dishonesty with money. We charge each girl £1 subs every time we meet and this is used for costumes and transport when we go for competitions and that sort of thing. The girls are all very upset by this and many parents have offered their support."

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