"Whenever I've spoken to someone senior, they have been very understanding. But the ones who stop me don't even apologise," he added.

Earlier this year, Ben's car was searched from top to bottom as he tried to leave a Northwich club.

When he asked the reason, officers said he'd be told if he visited the police station the next day. He did - but no-one appeared to know anything about it.

And an officer accused him of giving false evidence after a stop-check, because his name was mis-spelt on his driving licence.

The Guardian contacted Superintendent Ian Johns, the head of Northwich police, and offered him the full details of the story. He has pledged to act immediately on behalf of the Kershaws.

He added: "I will ensure that the claims are fully investigated. I wouldn't tolerate racism here, so I would be very happy to meet with them."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.