EQUITY has donated £7,200 to Durham Pride after the local Reform-led county council cut its budget for the annual event.

The performing arts and entertainment union announced the donation on Saturday night at the Durham Miners’ Hall, where it is holding its annual conference.

Equity president Lynda Rooke said that the union was “sending a message to Reform and any other group that is planning on attacking the cultural sector” as she handed a cheque to Durham Pride organiser Mel Metcalf during a reception.

Ms Rooke said: “I am proud to announce that Equity has stepped up … and what’s even better is that this new agreement signed between Durham Pride and Equity will ensure decent standards for all our members and our workers.”

Mr Metcalf thanked the union, saying: “I don’t think you realise how much this really means to a small charity like ours.

“It’s our 15th year, and what we’ve learned is that nobody can stop Pride.”