Gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender people are being urged to make a stand against hate crime this weekend - and learn about what the police can do to help.

This Saturday is International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) and Kent Police is marking the occasion by holding a public seminar on combating hate crime.

The force is running a campaign to urge anyone suffering homophobic or transphobic abuse to use Kent Police's free 24hour reporting line.

It follows the successful conviction of two women from Whitstable found guilty of harassing a neighbouring gay couple, but much more hate crime continues to go unreported.

The seminar has been organised by Kent Police and Kent County Council, and key speakers include commissioner for the Equality and Human Rights Commission and chief executive of lesbian, gay and bi-sexual lobbying organisation Stonewall, Ben Summerskill, and Mark Carrington from Kent's Crown Prosecution Service.

KCC Cabinet Member for Equality and Diversity Kevin Lynes said: "It's important that everyone in Kent feels safe and respected. In today's modern and diverse society, international awareness events such as IDAHO help to highlight the support available for anyone experiencing hate crime or abuse, and encourages us all to work together to stop hate crime.

"Anyone who experiences crimes of this form should feel more confident that there is now help and support available."

Members of the public are welcome at the seminar at Kent Police College, Maidstone, from 2.30pm on Saturday.

The Kent Homophobic and Transphobic Reporting Line offers round-the-clock advice to anyone who has experienced homophobic or transphobic crime. The number is 0800 328 9162, or visit www.kent.police.uk/hatecrime for more information.