Hope not Hate: Bill aboard!

Hope not Hate 2007: Sun Hill and Eastenders stars on the Mirror's anti-racism battlebus

The stars have been turning out to back the Daily Mirror Hope Not Hate bus as it continued its journey around Britain. Cast from The Bill stood on the open top and waved to crowds when the anti-racism battlebus arrived at an estate where they were filming.

Roberta Taylor, who plays Inspector Gina Gold, said: "We're really proud to support the Hope not Hate campaign if it helps spread the message across the country. Racism is caused by a culture of ignorance and is totally outdated."

Andrew Lancel, Det Insp Neil Manson in the show, added: "There's absolutely no excuse for racism in this day and age."

Bill colleagues John Bowler and Daniel Flynn, who play PC Roger Valentine and Supt John Heaton also added messages of support at the scene in Merton, South London.

The bus began its round-Britain journey from London to Scotland on Friday - launching an anti-racism fortnight that runs until Easter. It visited communities in London, Essex and Northampton. Yesterday it arrived in Leicester's golden mile, renowned for its Indian restaurants.

EastEnders star Petra Letang, who plays Naomi Julien, boarded the bus and said: "This campaign is very close to my heart. We have to make a difference for the young people coming up. I grew up in East London and I'm proud to be from here."

Hope not Hate is aimed at spreading a message of goodwill in the build-up to the local elections in May - www.mirror.co.uk/hopenothate. The 1964 Leyland Titan bus, emblazoned with the Hope not Hate message, has been welcomed everywhere.

Former boxing champ Lloyd Honeyghan met it in Dagenham, Essex. He told the crowds: "We should deal in love not hate. There's only one race, and that's the human race."

MP Andrew Mackinlay said: "Community relations owe a great to deal to the Mirror for this campaign. It's allowing local people to make a powerful stand against racism."

Messages of support have come in from celebrities including Corinne Bailey Rae, Goldie Lookin Chain, the Sugababes, Sir Alan Sugar, Beverley Knight, Just Jack, Shilpa Shetty, and Brian Harvey. Singer Ms Dynamite added: "Racism is about greed, money and fear."

Mirror