Local residents came out in large numbers to support the Black Lives Matter movement in a peaceful and socially distanced rally in Stourbridge this afternoon.

Approximately 200 people turned out in Coventry Street, including local councillor, Ridha Ahmed, who spoke at a similar event in Dudley last weekend.

Gathering outside the Duke William pub on Coventry Street, the group listened to anti-racist poetry and speeches and maintained a strict 2 metre distance at all times. Attendees were advised to wear face masks and to regularly sanitise their hands with disposable gloves provided a well as marshals to make sure guidelines are being followed.

A large number of those involved were white ally's, showing their support and solidarity and a number of vehicles were sounding their horns in support as they drove past on the ring road. Cllr Kurshid Ahmed, who represents St James's Ward, said:

"The event in Stourbridge had a much bigger turnout than was expected and really shows the way the region gets behind the fight against racism.

"Last weeks event in Dudley was very successful and I'm pleased to see that protests and rallys across the Black Country have remained peaceful and those who came out have respected social distancing guidelines."