POLICE have joined forces with Burnley Football Club to try and drive down hate crime in the town.

The club's Turf Moor stadium is to host a series of drop-in sessions for people who have been victims of such crimes.

And people who feel they are being abused because of their age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, faith, or race are being urged to blow the whistle on their abusers.

Pennine Division's hate crime and diversity unit believes that by joining forces with the Clarets to hold the drop-in sessions, it can offer help to anyone who feels they are being singled out.

Dean Ramsdale, from Burnley Football Club, said: "We're keen to show hate crime the red card. If you, or someone you know is a victim of hate crime, then please come along."

The surgeries are being held by PC Bev Taylor, who hopes they will give people from all backgrounds a chance to express their thoughts and feelings on crime and disorder and, in particular, talk through any concerns or experiences they have relating to hate crime.

PC Taylor said: "If you feel that you are being singled out for abuse, or have become a victim of crime simply because of your age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, faith, or race, then we want to hear about it. We have a team of officers dedicated to investigating this type of offence and we want to help.

"Please don't suffer in silence, come along and speak to us."

The surgeries will take place in the leisure complex, opposite the James Hargreaves stand, on January 12 and 26, and on February 9 and 23, from 6pm to 7pm.