A TOWN centre event engaged the public in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, Questioning and others (LGBTQ+) issues, such as reporting hate crime last week.

On Saturday, Hampshire Constabulary lesbian and gay liason officer (LAGLO) PSCO Lee Thubron was joined by LGBT youth support group, Breakout Youth , worker Flower Desborough and Test Valley mayor Councillor Carl Borg-Neal in raising awareness on issues the community faces and having discussions with passers by.

LAGLO’s new car also made an appearance on the high street , which also held a stand of information on Breakout, the adult LGBT group, LAGLO and reporting hate crime.

PCSO Thubron said once people build up the courage to report hate crime to the police, LAGLOs would support the LGBT witnesses and victims of crime, and also against fear of any repercussion.

Ms Desborough said: “Establishing a support group in Andover has been an important step in furthering the development of our work with LGBTQ+ identifying young people in Hampshire.

“Our visit to the town centre on Saturday was a really positive and encouraging event. There was a real sense of an embracing, warm and open-minded community in Andover.

“It’s wonderful to feel so welcomed and to really get a sense of moving forward with support for the LGBTQ+ community.

“We are very appreciative of the great amount of support we have received from Andover , TVBC and the local police via the LAGLO.”