SCHOOL kids have joined forces with police and campaigners to get rid of bigotry once and for all.

Pupils will take part in a special football challenge organised by Nil by Mouth, set up by former Evening Times Scotswoman Of The Year Cara Henderson.

Female footballers from eight Lanarkshire schools are to compete in the first Kiss Bigotry Goodbye cup today at the Ravenscraig Sports Centre.

They will then be taking part in a series of workshops about sectarianism, different religions and the dangers of posting online abuse.

Nil By Mouth was set up by Glasgow teenager Cara Henderson in response to the sectarian murder of her friend Mark Scott as he made his way home from a football match in 1995.

Since then, the charity has held hundreds of workshops and spoken to thousands of children about bigotry.

The Scottish Government has now awarded the group £85,000 to continue their workshops in schools, colleges, workplaces and universities across the country in the next year.

Nil by Mouth Campaign Director Dave Scott, said: "This event is hugely significant as it shows football as a positive vehicle for change and proves the game can bring people together rather than being used as a dividing line between communities.

"Education is key to challenging prejudice and it’s great to see Police Scotland investing time and effort in grassroots programmes like this which provide a safe and positive environment for pupils to mix.

"We have worked with these eights schools over a number of years and we have seen many new friendships form in that time."

"That is why we are delighted that the Scottish Government has announced funding that will allow us to continue to build relationships and understanding between people."