A group founded earlier this year to protest against racism in the district has unveiled a new name.

Hexham Against Racism was formed in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in the US and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement.

The group held a peaceful demonstration in Hexham – but with more members joining, the group’s founders have decided on a new name.

It will now be known as Tynedale Against Racism, to reflect the fact that people from across the district have joined the cause.

Group member Sophie Pasola said: “We have decided that it would also be useful to run a new page – Tynedale Against Racism – which has a united voice and is public-facing.

“This will enable us to publicly support relevant and important causes, petitions, events.

“Starting a new page also gives us an opportunity to broaden the geographical focus to Tynedale, rather than just Hexham.

“This is to reflect the location of our membership and team. “

Hexham Against Racism – Action Group was set up by residents following a post on Facebook group Hexham Matters that called for a Black Lives Matter protest in the town.

The post, which was later deleted, attracted more than 1,000 comments and caused countless disagreements.

It was claimed that “pockets of racism” exist in the Tyne Valley.

Dozens of supporters turned out for a demonstration in July, with the support of Northumbria Police.

Members of the crowd heard powerful testimonies from North East figureheads, such as the sheriff and deputy lord mayor of Newcastle, Coun. Habib Rahman, who is the only British Muslim to hold office in the North East, as well as Chantal Herbert, a representative from the Angelou Centre which supports women of the BAME community in Newcastle, and Tyne Valley residents.