Beds Police has joined forces with a national charity in a bid to stamp out hate crime.

Stop Hate UK was established in 1995 and works throughout the country to offer a reporting service for people who suffer discrimination.

This week the charity and police began a joint scheme to improve the reporting of hate crime, increase the level of support to victims, and improve public confidence.

Inspector James Goldsmith said: "Hate crimes happen because of hostility, prejudice or hatred of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, and sexual orientation.

"They include things like name calling and verbal abuse, bullying and harassment, spitting, physical attacks, damage to property, graffiti, offensive notes, emails and text messages.

"When contacting Stop Hate UK, victims will be asked if they want their information to be shared with the police and partner organisations.

"However we understand that some victims of this type of crime may wish to remain anonymous.

"This information will be used by Bedfordshire Police and other agencies to accurately focus our efforts on reducing and preventing hate crime whilst providing the necessary support to individual victims."

Rose Simkins, chief executive of Stop Hate UK, said: "Stop Hate UK wants to stop people suffering in silence.  We are here 24 hours a day to help.

"Hate crime victims often want to get support from an organisation that is independent from the police. We can explain to them that hate crimes are not something they have to put up with"

Hate Crime UK can be contacted by calling the charity's 24-hour helpline on 0800 138 1625, by texting 07717 989 025, or online at www.stophateuk.org

To speak to Beds Police directly call 01234 841212, or text 07786 200011.