Libraries throughout the Borough will be using storytelling, drums, and history to celebrate Black History Month in October.

Author Lucy Bland, will also be holding a talk to discuss her book 'Brown Babies,' which revisits the important but not much-known history of the 2,000 babies who had black GI's and white British women as parents during the second world war.

It is also an annual commemoration of the history, achievements and contributions that black people have made to the UK.

Cllr John Coombs, Lead Member for Libraries for Richmond Council, said: “Black History Month is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate diversity in the borough.

"These two events are just a small example of the wide range of activities happening across the Capital.

"I hope that many people will attend the events.”

During the second world war - the African-American press would often refer to mixed race children as being 'brown babies' and black soldiers who served in the segregated American army were not allowed to marry their white girlfriends which meant that almost half of the children were placed in care homes and hardly any were adopted.

During the talk - Ms Bland will look at the moving stories from over 50 of those children who were handed to the state.

Their stories will also explore Government policy and attitudes toward interracial relationships at the time.

The event is on Saturday 12th October from 2.30pm in Richmond Library Annexe.

Later in the month at East Sheen Library, Ugandan storyteller, singer and actress, Diana Lwanga will be holding a storytelling and drumming workshop for children and their families on Monday 28th October at 4pm.