A former children’s TV presenter has spoken to secondary school pupils about her story of experiencing and tackling racism as part of the Windrush generation.

Baroness Floella Benjamin visited Roedean School in Brighton as part of Black History Month, sharing her experience of moving to the UK in the 1960s.

Baroness Benjamin, best known for appearances in Playschool and PlayAway, spoke of how she experienced racism and abuse after emigrating from Trinidad and Tobago.

In her speech, she said: "Black History Month is so important because it asks you to think about what other people might be going through or have gone through in their lives.

“Everyone has a story to tell - just like I do - and this month reminds us to stop and focus on other people's stories. People of colour have had to go through so many struggles."

Baroness Benjamin was the first female Trinidadian to become a peer in the House of Lords. In 2018, she was given Honorary Freedom of the City of London and was appointed Chair of the Windrush Commemoration committee by then Prime Minister Theresa May.

Speaking to pupils from a number of secondary schools, she recounted how her parents initially emigrated to the UK when she was 10-years old, leaving her with foster parents. She added that when she eventually moved to the country as well, she suffered a lot of racial abuse.

The Argus: Baroness Floella Benjamin speaking to students at Roedean School. Image: Red Robin PRBaroness Floella Benjamin speaking to students at Roedean School. Image: Red Robin PR (Image: Roedean School)

Baroness Benjamin also stressed how important representation is for people of colour, adding: "If you don't see yourself [in the media and on screens], how can you identify with the future?"

As well as being a TV presenter, Baroness Benjamin is also an actress and author. One of her best-known books, Coming to England, has been used for a number of years as a teaching resource for children learning about the Windrush generation.

The struggles faced by the Windrush generation particularly came to prominence during a 2018 scandal. A large number of people were told by the Home Office that they were living in the UK illegally despite having lived and worked in the country for decades.