A campaign that aims to raise awareness on hate crime has been launched by Aberdeen-based charity Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC).

The initiative aims to tackle discrimination by holding training and awareness sessions with community groups and organisations in the city over the next month.

The group will provide information about what hate crime is, how to report it, what support is available and how to access it.

GREC general manager Dave Black said: "We know that the number of hate crimes reported to the police and to GREC is the tip of the iceberg and there are many people living in our communities who are putting up with abuse and harassment.

"We have specialist advice and counselling services to help people address these issues and support them to move on."

Aberdeen lord provost Barney Crockett said: "Aberdeen prides itself in being an inclusive city and open to all.

"Prejudice however can exist anywhere which is why it is so important to raise awareness about what hate crime is, how to report it and how to obtain support in how to deal with it."