A MOTION condemning racism and hate crimes won the unanimous support of Malvern councillors.

After reports of hate crime increasing in many parts of the country in the wake of the Brexit vote, the motion went before councillors at the latest full council meeting of Malvern Hills District Council, held in the Council Chamber on September 27.

The motion stated the authority condemned racism, xenophobia, and hate crime of all types and forms, and in the process expressed support for all residents in the district.

The motion also committed the council to continuing to work with police and community organisations to ensure hate crime victims were being supported.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Hannah Campbell following an urgent call by Amnesty International for councils across the UK to condemn racism.

Cllr Campbell said: "There was an increase in hate crime after the referendum - thankfully we have not seen that locally.

"We are, on the whole, a very welcoming district.

"But I think it is still incredibly important that we say loudly and clearly to our electorate that there is no place for hate crime, in our district."

Councillor Sarah Rouse, who seconded the motion, said: "It is sad that a minority of people, in 2016, are unable to celebrate our differences.

"Whatever each of us can do, no matter how small, to make sure our society understands it (hate crime) is unacceptable - then we must do it."

Hate crimes are criminal offences judged to be motivated by hostility based on the victim's race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, transgender or other individual characteristic.

To report a crime in confidence call police on 101, visit report-it.org.uk, or report the crime at a police station.