A SCHEME to encourage victims of racism to come forward has been set up in Preston.

The self-referral scheme is part of Preston Community Safety Partnership's plan to improve safety and tackle crime in the town.

People will be encouraged to report incidents they consider racist through a simple, freepost return form, and project officer, Anita Toussaint, will offer help and support to victims.

The scheme, funded by Lancashire Police Authority, Lancashire Constabulary, Preston Borough Council and the county council, has the backing of the Preston & Western Lancashire Racial Equality Council.

Spokesman for the equality council, Bhikuh Patel, said it could prevent victims of racism from "suffering in silence".

And chief superintendent Bernard Lawson, divisional commander for Central Division which covers Preston, Fulwood and Lea, believes the initiative could make it easier for people to report racist incidents.

He said: "Last year there were 250 recorded racist incidents in Preston but we know there is general under-reporting and that this is just the tip of the iceberg.

"Through this scheme we want to reassure and give added confidence to the whole community that racism will not be tolerated and the police and its partners will take action."

Self-referral forms are available from libraries, Preston Police Station, the Town Hall, the Racial Equality Council, community centres and other public buildings.