AROUND 100 campaigners gathered peacefully in the town centre this weekend to stand against racism and to protest against the far right.

Barrow & South Cumbria Unite Against Fascism group organised a ‘Unity Rally’ outside the Spirit of Barrow statue on Dalton Road from noon on Saturday.

The purpose, the group say, was to show solidarity and to call for mass anti racist resistance in every town.

READ MORE: Demonstrators stage 'Unite Rally' in Barrow town centre

It comes after a national day of protest was held across the country on Saturday following riots across the UK, which have resulted in hundreds of arrests.

At the time of writing, Barrow has not seen any arrests following the rally.

(Image: Mandy Penellum)

Mandy Penellum, Secretary for Barrow Trade Union Foundation & member of Barrow & South Cumbria Unite Against Fascism group said: “We’re absolutely delighted with the turnout.

“To see such a diverse group of people here on a Saturday afternoon shows how important this matter is to so many people. 

“It’s important to show we won’t be divided as a community.

“People reject racism in the main and it's very easy to forget that when you see the scenes we’ve witnessed over the last couple of weeks.

“Events like today are a really good reminder that we are a welcoming and united community."

The outrage comes after three young girls from Southport were killed in a knife attack on July 29.

(Image: Sophie Lashmar and Janet Lashmar)

Janet Lashmar, a local resident, said: “This may only be a small gathering, but it gives us time to think about those who have had their lives turned upside down from the Southport incident.

“This is not what humans are like.”

There were no riots or far-right anti protests in response to the Unity Rally.

Cumbria Police took extra measures by issuing a dispersal order in the town centre to give them additional powers to break up antisocial behaviour.

READ MORE: Dispersal order issued in Barrow town centre

(Image: Pat Blackburn and Peter Needham)

Peter Needham, a retired teacher from Barrow, said: “There is a lot of ignorance about migration, refugees and asylum seekers.

“It’s vitally important that we show solidarity. It’s really heartening that people feel happy to come here to demonstrate against racism than want to come here to attack people.”

(Image: Hillary Rourke and Kate Shepherd)

Hillary Rourke, a local from Barrow, said: “I don’t want to be part of society where Islamophobia and racism have got a home. I think there should be a place for everyone. I don’t like to see hatred on the streets.”

Kate Shepherd, another local resident, said: “It’s important that people seeking asylum or refuge know that people want them to be part of our society and community.

“I think it’s really important that we make that known.”

(Image: Jane Moorby)

Jane Moorby said: “I’m a proud Barrovian. The town has got a long history of being a welcoming and warm community.

"I just want to let everybody know that everyone is welcome here. Peaceful solidarity.”