An initiative designed to tackle bigotry, prejudice and hate crime is being launched in primary schools.

The Heartstone Odyssey is aimed at Year 5, 6 and 7 pupils and is built around the book of the same name which follows a fictional character, Chandra, about overcoming intolerance, prejudice and racism with her friends – the mice.

The initiative is being pushed into schools across Enfield on May 1.

After reading and discussing the book the pupils are encouraged to draw up a charter defining the values they have agreed which respect different religions, races and ways of life.

Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Achilleas Georgiou, said: "Intolerance and prejudice are never acceptable and Enfield Council will work with schools and young people to help encourage pupils to understand the importance of openness, tolerance and respect, and to confront unacceptable behaviour when they witness it, in a safe manner.

“Enfield is a hugely diverse borough and residents get on well. We want to build on the good community relations we already have so that everyone in this borough, regardless of their background or circumstances, feels valued and welcome. The best way to embed that spirit of openness and acceptance is to engender it at a young age.”