A pedestrian crossing has been painted in the colours of the transgender flag in Sutton Town Centre.

The permanent crossing was unveiled in line with International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia on May 17.

Sutton Council said the crossing, which is on the one-way system outside Asda, was painted to demonstrate inclusivity in the borough.

It's the UK's first transgender crossing and follows on from the introduction of Sutton's rainbow crossing during Pride 2020.

See more: Sutton unveils first permanent LGBTQ+ rainbow road crossing

The transgender flag comprises the colours blue (representing males), pink (representing females) and white (representing those who are transitioning, intersex or consider themselves as having an unidentified gender).

Your Local Guardian: The transgender flag was first created in 1999The transgender flag was first created in 1999

Cllr Jake Short, Sutton Council’s Lead Member for Equalities, said: “I am delighted to see this celebration of the richness and diversity that our transgender community brings to Sutton.

“Until transgender people and other minority groups are able to live without fear of discrimination or hate, we must continue to demonstrate our support and stand with them to clearly demonstrate our commitment to eliminating transphobia.”

Rachel Simpkins, Sutton LGBTQ+ Forum’s Trans Project Lead, said: "The Sutton LGBTQ+ Forum has always supported our Trans community and in 2019 set up the TranSutton Group.

“We offer support, advice and engage with the Trans community not only from Sutton but also its neighbouring boroughs.

"Our hope is that this Trans crossing will pave the way for more Trans crossings around the UK which in turn would lead to more inclusivity in our society at large."

More information on the Sutton LGBTQ+ Forum and their upcoming activities can be found on their website here.

For anyone experiencing LGBTQI+ hate crime, you can call StopHate helpline on 08088010661.