BLACK History Month has been launched in Basildon with a special event.

The national awareness month aims at raising awareness of black history, both cultural and via heritage, as well as celebrating the positive contributions to British society.

A launch event took place earlier this month, and there will also be activities celebrating the month taking place at the Basildon Centre on Saturday from noon.

Councillor David Burton-Sampson, who has taken part in the celebrations, said the launch went very well and he was looking forward to the other events. He added: “It is important that we have this month to show how black and other ethnic groups have added to society and how we can make sure we move forwards together.”