AN increase in reported incidents of racism in Wiltshire's schools is being put down to increased monitoring and conscientious reporting.

The Children, Education and Libraries advisory panel at Wiltshire County Council heard this week that 319 racist incidents were reported in the year to March 2003, an increase from 202 incidents last year.

The council says the increase is not a real one, but is the result of under-reporting of incidents in previous years, coupled with a greater awareness of race issues and reporting procedures among school staff.

Department director Bob Wolfson said: "Only by conscientiously and accurately monitoring racist incidents can we get a true picture of the situation. We can then see the effects of the steps we are taking to address the problem and ensure that all of Wiltshire's children get the fair and equitable treatment they deserve."

A major training programme on handling racist incidents has been provided for staff and governors and guidance on policies has been given to schools.