A Black Lives Matter protest is being held in Shepton Mallet at the weekend, with both the organisers and the police urging people attending to make sure they follow social distancing rules.

The protest is being promoted as a peaceful, family-friendly event and it is taking place at the bandstand in Collett Park from 2pm on Saturday (June 13).

The organisers say that facemasks and gloves will be available on the day, and are telling protesters to make sure they socially distance.

The event is being organised by the Shepton Mallet Black Lives Matter Group, and will see speakers, poets and teachers featured.

A spokesperson for the event said: "The organisers of the Black Lives Matter Shepton Mallet event of course recognise the value of all lives.

"We are parents and members of a diverse community, black, white, young, old, gay, straight, religious and members of no faith.

"We value everyone of our friends and neighbours, and we care for each other massively as we have seen recently in the fantastic support shown to front line NHS workers.

"But for one afternoon we will focus on racism. Call the event an expression of race equality or respect for cultural diversity if you wish, but the simple fact is if you are black in our society you are more likely to be questioned by the police, more likely to be arrested for a crime you did not commit and more likely to be the victim of police brutality.

"We will think of George Floyd in the United States. The situation in this country is also concerning with far too many people of colour experiencing racism at work and in social settings.

"Sadly racism is on the rise across Europe and in this country with a high percentage of racist hate crimes committed in the past four years. Sadly the West Country is no exception."

Avon and Somerset Police are also urging protesters to make sure they take social distancing seriously if they attend the event.

A spokesperson said: "It's important to stand up for fairness, equality and inclusion, and as your police force, we want to be leading the way on this.

"We completely understand why people want to make their voices heard following the tragic killing of George Floyd in the USA.

"If people do decide to attend this event, we'd ask them to consider their safety, as well as the safety of their friends and families, and those around them.

"This means following the Government restrictions and guidance, particularly observing social distancing measures wherever possible."