Stroud District Council invited a Stroud contestant on BBC1's Survivor UK television show for an inspirational talk as part of Black History Month events and celebrations.

Sabrina Pace-Humphreys grew up in Stroud from the age of four but felt like she didn't always belong. Her new book "Black Sheep - A story of Rural Racism, Identity and Hope" tells her story.

On Wednesday, October 25, she explained to SDC staff and councillors how being seen differently to other children affected her throughout her life, and how she is tackling racial issues specific to rural areas such as Stroud.

Sabrina is now a public relations professional, motivational public speaker and presenter, a trail running ultra-runner, and a social justice activist.

Sabrina said: "I was heartened by the turnout at the event at Ebley Mill, and I welcome the fact that the council is doing more, and knows it needs to do more to address inclusion and diversity in the workplace."

Sabrina also chairs Stroud District Council's Community Representation Taskforce, which develops community projects for the commemoration of an individual, group of individuals or event that celebrates equality and diversity in the Stroud district.

The theme of this year's Black History Month is "Saluting our Sisters", highlighting the crucial role that black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities.

The event was organised by the council's racial inclusion group, and attended by staff and councillors including SDC Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champions, Councillors Robin Layfield, Natalie Bennett and Martin Brown.

 SDC chief executive Kathy O'Learysaid: "We are committed to inclusion, and our people strategy sets out that we want everyone at Stroud District Council to thrive, which means everyone feeling that they can bring their whole self to work.

"The council celebrates diversity and recognises the positive impact that all staff can make, and this event is a great example of that. We are very grateful to Sabrina for attending and for her engaging talk which had a big impact on the large number of staff and councillors there."

Episodes one and two of Survivor UK were screened on Saturday and Sunday October 28 and 29, and the next episodes will be aired this weekend.