A CAMPAIGN to rid racism from Fylde schools is being set up with the help of Blackpool Football Club.

Inspired by a similar programme in Newcastle, organiser Councillor Royston Jones intends to finally put racism to rest.

And although he is aiming the campaign at all walks of life, he believes football is the perfect place to start.

He explained: "I have been encouraged at the success of the Kick Racism out of Football campaign, but that simply engages with racism in the game itself.

"I want to broaden the issue into the wider community and as football is our national game, what better way to spread the message."

Both Blackpool manager Sam Allardyce and managing director Gill Bridge have pledged their support to the scheme.

Gill commented: "I think the idea of an anti-racist campaign is fantastic. Other campaigns, such as Kick Racism out of Football, are a superb idea but issues such as racism need to be addressed to younger people as well.

"Children are very impressionable, so if they are exposed to racism at an early age it becomes more difficult to teach them otherwise once they have left school."

In Newcastle, players like Les Ferdinand and Shaka Hislop, have been involved in local schools speaking to pupils on how to fight racism and bullying.

Gill added: "If we can do a similar sort of thing in Blackpool, I'm sure the point will get across."

Talks are due to take place in the next few weeks, once the club's season has come to an end.

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