A HUGE crowd turned out to take part in an anti-racism rally in Stroud this afternoon.

The event - named Stroud Love Not Hate Rally - took place at Wallbridge today, Saturday, August 10.

It comes after riots took place in several towns and cities in England for more than a week which saw supermarkets and libraries torched and shops looted.

The disorder followed the tragic deaths of Bebe King (six), Elsie Dot Stancombe (seven) and Alice Dasilva Aguiar (nine) who were killed on July 29 in Southport while attending a Taylor Swift themed dance class.

Those taking part in the anti-racism protest today carried signs with statements such as "Racism isn't welcome here" and "Love not hate".

Speakers included Stroud MP Simon Opher and Stroud District Council deputy leader Pete Kennedy.

All photos by Simon Pizzey.

Stroud mum Ellie Griffiths with her son Orin aged four months

 Stroud MP Simon Opher speaking at the rally