The Home Office has announced it will give more than £265,000 of funding to help charities run projects that prevent hate crime and provide support to victims of hate crime.

A total of eight organisations from the voluntary sector will receive grants of up to £50,000.

Home office minister Alan Campbell said:

"Hate crime ruins lives. Everyone should be free to express themselves without the fear of harassment simply because of who they are.

"We are determined to tackle these devastating crimes which is why last year the government launched its Hate Crime Action Plan which sets out our response to the challenges we face.

"This funding will provide more victims and their families with the access to the support they need so they will have the confidence to report crimes, knowing they will be taken seriously and acted on."