YOUNG people have been getting creative as part of a campaign to raise awareness of hate crime among the younger generation.

The aim of the competition was to create a piece of work that would both inspire and educate.

Organised by West Oxfordshire Community Safety Partnership (WOCSP), the winner of the contest has now been revealed.

Eleven-year-old Mya produced a poster with the slogan ‘Stop the Hate’, urging people to report racism and homophobia.

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She said: “I have noticed a lot of young people are being targeted and it is all about talking to them.

“At the same time, a lot of people are not aware of what is going on in people’s lives.

“It could be really affecting them and causing them to have bad thoughts.”

Runner-up Maddy, 13, created a colourful artwork referencing the Black Lives Matter movement.

Mya won a £75 voucher to use at local retailers, while Maddy was awarded a £50 voucher.

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Participants were aged between 11 and 16.

WOCSP brings together local organisations including Thames Valley Police, Oxfordshire County Council, voluntary and community sector groups, and housing organisations.

Emmylou Brossard, safer communities project officer ​at WOCSP member organisation West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We were struck by Mya and Maddy’s understanding of hate crime and how passionate they are about tackling discrimination generally.

“It is so important that young people have a voice on vital issues such as this and we have been inspired by the insight and talent among West Oxfordshire young people this competition has revealed.”

Superintendent Emma Garside, commander for the Cherwell and West Oxfordshire local policing area, congratulated the winners for their hard work and creativity.