Police officers and council staff joined together for a 'lunch and learn' event this week to mark Black History Month.

Held at the Civic Centre in Borehamwood on Wednesday, guests enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by Carmen’s Caribbean Kitchen before hearing a thought-provoking presentation on black history and policing by intervention sergeant Louis Blacker.

Safer neighbourhood inspector Rachael Robertson said: "The event provided us with an opportunity to reflect on the often-unspoken black history to understand just how far we have come as a society in tackling racist attitudes. However, we recognise that there is more to be done to support and gain the trust of our black communities and the vital role we have, as police officers, in achieving this.

"From speaking with those who attended and particularly from the members of the black community that were present it was really well received. It was also great to get together with our colleagues in Hertsmere Borough Council and share in the delicious food on offer."

Hertsmere Borough Councillor Victor Eni, who also spoke at the event, said: "I’m so pleased that I was able to take part in this event and share some of my own personal experiences of racism and the issues faced by our black community locally and across the world.

"Following a year of heightened awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement, events such as this held during Black History Month, are even more important than ever.

"It was also a great opportunity for our two organisations to come together and learn from each other. It shows how we’re all striving together to make Hertsmere an inclusive place to live and work and is another reason why I’m so proud to represent the borough."