SCHOOLS across Redcar and Cleveland are getting a real kick out of a series of 23 workshops aimed at delivering the Show Racism the Red Card message.

The Council will present the national organisation with a £15,000 cheque to cover the cost of the workshops before Boro's Championship clash with Bristol City at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday.

Council Leader Councillor George Dunning and Councillor Ian Jeffrey, the Council's Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education, will be pitchside to watch the presentation.

Coun Jeffrey said: "We regard the cost of the year's partnership with Show Racism the Red Card money very well spent.

"It is so important to educate everyone to detest racism in all its shapes and forms and we are very fortunate to have some excellent role models to deliver a mix of serious messages and fun and games that will be delivered to our schools."

Former Boro stars Curtis Fleming and Dean Gordon, ex-Newcastle defender John Anderson and former Sunderland skipper Gary Bennett have been delivering lessons on anti-racism alongside football training.

Craig Bankhead, Show Racism the Red Card's community education manager, said: "We're very pleased to be working alongside the Council in combating racism in the Borough.

"Weve already delivered several very successful workshops in local schools and theyre really making a difference to young peoples attitudes.

"Using the role model status of ex-professional football players is a great way of tackling the issue because young people can see how football teams work together regardless of skin colour, religion, nationality or culture."