The bicentenary of the abolition of slavery will be marked by school-children in the borough next week when they go to an anti-racsim event.

Pupils from Croydon's secondary schools are due to go to Selhurst Park for the launch of this year's Show Racism the Red Card campaign.

Councillor Enley Taylor, cabinet member for community cohesion, is expected to attend and will be joined by representatives from the police and members of the local community.

While the wider message is to promote racial tolerance, it is also hoped the event will encourage victims and witnesses of racism in Croydon to report incidents to the council and police.

On Wednesday, March 28, pupils will get the chance to meet Crystal Palace players and the FA's national women's team coach, Hope Powell OBE. Ms Powell was the first black manager to take charge of the national team and is a former England player. As Croydon captain she also led her team to a league and cup double.

At the event, players will talk about their experiences of racism.

Show Racism the Red Card is an anti-racist charity, established 11 years ago with the aim of using professional footballers as role models.

Coun Taylor said: "This event promotes community cohesion and raises awareness of race hate crime by getting a serious message across to children in a way that is both fun and memorable."

The abolition of the slave trade act was passed on March 25, 1807, making it illegal for British ships to be engaged in the slave trade throughout the British Colonies. This was the begining of the end of transatlantic slavery.