People can now tell councillors about hate crimes and have the council report them to police on their behalf, Falmouth Town Council has said.

It comes in response to recent reports of hate crimes in the area.

Falmouth Town Council has recently been working with Devon and Cornwall Police on the issue, and has adopted new measures including becoming a third-party reporter to the police, helping signpost those who have experienced hate crimes to local support services, and a communications campaign.

It has also been working with local bars, restaurants, and shops to create posters and coasters with QR codes designed to make reporting hate crimes to the police as easy as possible.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Kirstie Edwards said: "Falmouth Town Council will continue to work alongside the police and our partners to do everything in our power to make everyone living in or visiting Falmouth feel safe and supported.

"Verbally attacking and threatening people in their place of work is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. As a council, we are united in our opposition to anyone who thinks it is ok to abuse people based on their sexuality, gender, race, disability, or religion."

Councillors have also done 'support to report' training - meaning that residents can tell councillors about hate crimes so that the council can report them on their behalf.

Click here to go to Falmouth Town Council's website.