THE number of racist incidents in Wiltshire's schools has fallen by 10 per cent over the past year.

Wiltshire County Council has reported a total of 269 racist incidents across all schools between April 2003 and March 2004, compared to 310 incidents in the previous year.

Bob Wolfson, director of education, said: "I am pleased that the number of racist incidents seems to be declining.

"However, we remain concerned that too many children and young people are suffering as a result of unacceptable and hurtful comments made by others.

"We will continue to work with schools to address these issues, with the aim of minimising and ultimately eliminating such behaviour."

Most of the incidents reported involved verbal abuse and racist comments rather than physical assaults.

Under the Race Relations (Am-endment) Act 2000 public authorities to promote racial equality and prevent discrimination.

A report on the monitoring of racist incidents will be made to the council's education and libraries advisory panel today.