A POLICE Scotland liaison officer along with a youth engagement officer delivered a series of workshops at the Vale of Leven Academy highlighting the rise of hate crime.

Police Scotland in West Dunbartonshire held what was described as “informal discussions” with children aged between 13 and 16 and was aimed towards education, personal and online security.

A spokeswoman for West Dunbartonshire Council said: “Our pupils regularly receive social educational talks from our youth engagement officer and partner agencies as part of their learning and as standard we don’t seek the approval of parents prior to delivering educational sessions.

“This talk, by Police Scotland, was to raise awareness of Hate Crime and was held during National Hate Crime week.”