A PROTEST that attracted hundreds of supporters in Wokingham has been labelled a success as 'the first step to big changes'.

The peaceful gathering as part of the Black Lives Matter movement was supported by around 300 people at Elms Field yesterday.

ALSO READ: "Food was nice but service is slow" – Readers share mixed opinions on Kaspa's desserts

The crowds gathered at a safe social distance to stand by fellow protesters across the world speaking out against racism.

Organising group Bracknell Against Racism posted on the Facebook event group to thank supporters. It said: "Thank you so much everyone who attended! Extra special thank you to our amazing speakers. This is the first step to big changes."

Bracknell News:

Responses included 'good turn out', 'excellent speakers', and 'amazingly well organised'.

One commenter also said: "I truly hope that the BAME community of Wokingham feel a little more comforted and hopeful following the protest."

ALSO READ: Hoarding goes up around field as developers prepare plans for 'up to 75 homes'

Another tweeted: "There’s a BLM protest in Wokingham today, and I’ve heard people say 'why does Wokingham even need one it’s such a small town'.

"No. That is the exact reason it does need one, to show these issues aren’t isolated to big cities, it’s an issue all over the country no matter how small."

The protest follows the killing in the US of George Floyd by a police officer in May.

George's killing was filmed and went viral, as footage shows the officer kneeling on George's neck despite him crying out that he couldn't breathe.

He had been reported to police for allegedly paying for something with a counterfeit bill.

ALSO READ: McDonald's scraps changes to 'incredibly dangerous' town centre restaurant entrance

Since, Wokingham is among the many local areas to stand in solidarity with those across the world supporting the movement and calling for change.

Bracknell News:

Picture by The Women's Equality Party Reading and Wokingham