Hundreds of town hall managers are being sent to drama workshops to learn political correctness.

Brighton and Hove City Council - accused of "institutional racism" last year by the city's racial harassment forum - shelled out £26,000 to send 400 staff on the day-long sessions, which will take up 2,800 hours of its most highly paid officers' time.

Managers were told the workshops would "help facilitate a change in negative behaviours".

Three actors from the Koru Collective act out two scenarios highlighting issues of race, disability and sexuality.

Participants watch the role play before asking questions of the actors while they remain in character.

The scenarios are based on council research on the issues faced by minority staff.

Conservative councillor Peter Willows said: "We have got enough actors in Brighton and Hove council as it is. They can watch them without spending £26,000 on something like that.

"They like to waste their money on all sorts of peculiar ideas but not with my approval."

But the drama courses have been welcomed by minority groups.

Bert Williams, who runs Brighton and Hove Black History Project, said: "I think it's a good thing. It's about time they do something really - it's been going on too long.

"They've got to find some way of healing racism through some sort of conference with their people to get down to the issue.

"If you want to solve a problem with the community you should meet them and understand their needs."

The Argus reported in February last year that the council had been accused of "institutional racism" in a report by the racial harassment forum.

The forum, which includes black and ethnic community leaders, police, council staff and other community representatives, said the problem hindered its work in reducing racial incidents.

Kathy Goddon, chairman of the Federation of Disabled People, said: "Any type of disability awareness training has got to be a good thing because it's ignorance that causes a lot of the problems.

"People don't mean to be rude or disinterested but they are totally unaware of the problems."

James Ledwood, of Brighton gay magazine G-Scene, said: "It's been a long time coming. Now maybe the council will learn to differentiate between an equalities issue and a sexuality issue."

Pat Foster, assistant director of environment, said: "The use of drama is a very powerful way to convey an emotional message. The interchange is very thought-provoking."