TWO further education colleges in Warrington have reiterated their commitment to racial equality following moves from an education union to exclude members of racist organisations.

Delegates at the NASUWT teachers' conference last week voted to explore a rule change to allow it to ban members of racist and fascist groups.

The changes are being considered in a bid to curb racist behaviour, and recruitment into racist associations, at schools and colleges.

Both Warrington Collegiate and Priestley College had problems last year when it was suggested that the British National Party (BNP) was attempting to recruit their students.

A spokesman for Warrington Collegiate said: "It is college policy that no staff member should promote any political party, including the BNP, within the college.

"The college does not tolerate any racist behaviour or practices of any form.

"If any practices are brought to the attention of college staff the appropriate action is immediately taken."

Matthew Grant, vice-principal at Priestley College, said he didn't think that a blanket rule would work and said that each case would have to be looked at individually.

He added: "We are not aware of anybody that is involved in the BNP or similar organisations."

Both colleges said that they were committed to pursuing equal opportunities and promoting cultural diversity through various programmes and schemes.

In this summer's Southport Flower Show, Warrington Collegiate students will build a garden display that celebrates diversity.

Meanwhile, Priestley College held a cultural awareness week last year that celebrated other cultures in Warrington.