MORE than 600 incidents of racism in Hampshire schools were reported last year, but education bosses say the true number could be even greater.

Hampshire County Council has revealed the findings of its latest survey into racist bullying in primary and secondary schools across the county.

Figures show there were 617 recorded incidents in 2006 compared to 646 in 2005.

Councillor David Kirk, executive member for children's services, said: "I have to be honest and say probably the number is greater than 617. Clearly it is rather like crime-reporting and not every incident gets recorded but I think we are getting closer to the true figure."

Cllr Kirk said 98 per cent of schools took part in the annual survey last year which started in 1994. He said there was an overall upward trend "with a few blips".

The vast majority (82 per cent) of incidents in 2006 involved name-calling or comments in discussion, with more serious physical assaults accounting for 2.5 per cent.

Council figures show 130 pupils were suspended and one permanently excluded for racist bullying last year.