CHILDREN as young as three are to become the first line of defence in the battle against racism.

CHILDREN as young as three are to become the first line of defence in the battle against racism.

And Calum Hepburn and Inaay Ehson, both 4, show it gives everyone something to smile about at Kinning Park Nursery.

Glasgow has become the first local authority in Scotland to introduce a dedicated anti-racism curriculum in its nurseries.

Staff will be taught how to tackle incidents, explain differences in skin colour and help children develop the skills to handle attacks.

Research shows racist attitudes can be picked up by children as young as two. A similar programme in 170 city primary schools in 2005 led a slight drop in the number of racism incidents.

Other Scots local authorities have adopted the primary pack and the new early years programme has already attracted interest from several councils.

Kubriya Binjamin's daughter Ambreen, 3, goes to Kinning Park Nursery, where around 60% of pupils are Asian. Born in Glasgow, the 29-year-old mum-of-three said: "I think there is still a lot of work to be done but it's much better now. There are so many different communities in Glasgow which has helped."

As well as large Asian communities, Glasgow is home to more than 5000 asylum seekers from countries such as Iraq and 7000 people from the EU accession countries including Poland.

Council executive spokesman for education Gordon Matheson said: "This pack is about addressing race issues in an age specific way so children grow up celebrating diversity."