YOUNG people are being asked to take part in a competition designed to highlight hate crime.

The aim is to create a piece of work, which can be a video, song, poem, play, short story, artwork or even a meme.

Organised by the West Oxfordshire Community Safety Partnership (WOCSP), participants need to be aged between 11 and 16, with themes focussing on discrimination, experiencing and reporting hate crime, and accessing support.

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Merilyn Davies, cabinet member for communities and housing at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Hate crime should never be tolerated at any level and it is important that our young people understand it and know what to do if they are a victim or witness it.

“This competition is an excellent way of channelling young people’s natural creativity and helping educate them about hate crime, why it is wrong and how to report it.”

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Superintendent Emma Garside, commander for the Cherwell and West Oxfordshire local policing area, added: “Hate crimes can have serious, long-term physical, emotional and financial effects on the lives of those who experience them.

“They can happen anywhere, even online and can take many forms, including threats, intimidation, damage to property and physical attacks.

“No one should ever be the victim of hate crime. This competition is a great way to engage young people with this sensitive and complex issue.”

The competition will run until February 21 with the winner awarded a £75 voucher.