OLDHAM Athletic is one of five clubs in the north west which will be given a sum of money as part of a project aimed at defeating discrimination and promoting social cohesion.

A total of £287,000 will be given out as part of the EFL Trust’s Communities United, Faith Race and Hate Crime Grant.

The project aims to united families from different backgrounds, challenge stereotypes and united them through common interests.

It also seeks to address problems made worse by the pandemic such as isolation.

Along with the Oldham Athletic Community Trust money will be given to Rochdale, Salford, Preston, Blackburn and Bolton.

The project will involve three stages, the first containing local heritage discovery, the second interactive experience to boost understanding of faith and cultures and the last working on a social action project.

Martin Vose, the OACT's community head, said: "We are delighted to be working alongside the EFL Trust and our regional colleagues to deliver such an impactful project.

"Oldham as a borough celebrates diversity and we are looking forward to showcasing this through the communities united project.”

Faith Minister, Lord Greenhalgh said faith communities had been hit badly by lockdown and this funding was support for them.

He said: “In this country we believe in freedom within the rule of law.

"We are all free to love and not to hate. This government will not tolerate hate towards anyone because of who they are.

“We stand full square in support of all communities that suffer from prejudice and discrimination and we must build a shared future in this country.

“The pandemic has hit faith communities hard with the closure of communal worship during the two lockdowns.

"This funding is part of our comprehensive support for them. Our faith communities instinctively love their neighbours.”