Police and a drama centre have joined forces to educate pupils about hate crime through a play. 

Racist and religious hate crime in Redbridge has risen by 32 per cent in the 12 months to January. 

In a bid to challenge perceptions and reduce the number of incidents, a play titled 'Our Island' has been performed to around 900 pupils at 11 primary schools across the borough in the last two weeks. 

Its aim is to challenge personal prejudices and attitudes towards race, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender and negative stereotyping.

After each performance pupils entered into a discussion with the actors from Redbridge Drama Centre.  

Cllr Ross Hatfull, cabinet member for community safety, said: "This play is a positive way of raising awareness of hate crime in children before they reach secondary school and also as an entertaining and educational tool.

"Part of the learning is that as they grow up they understand that everybody is different and to raise awareness of how others may feel when people call them names or pick on them. 

"It’s an excellent production and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive so far."