The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) is proud to be flying the rainbow Pride flag from the flagpole at its Cirencester campus this month.

Celebrated in the UK in February, LGBT+ History Month is an annual observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements.

The colours of the Pride flag reflect the diversity of the LGBT+ community and the spectrum of human sexuality and gender.

Dan Tasker, head of student services at the RAU, said: "As a university, we are committed to increasing our diversity and to making sure that we're a welcoming place, which benefits from knowledge, lived-experience and intellectual debate from all areas of society.

"Flying the Pride flag is a simple, but highly visible, symbol that inclusivity is important to us all at the RAU. It's a symbol that indicates that everyone has a place within our community and that diverse expressions of sexuality and gender are valued.

"But it's not just about the flag. It's about dignity and respect and I've been pleased that, since we have had the Pride flag flying, some students have come forward to speak to us about their personal experiences at the RAU.

"We know that these conversations can be difficult to have, but they really help us understand the needs of our students. We want our students to know that we're here for them all and we are proud to fly the Pride flag this month."