Emma said: “I was delighted to attend Wolverhampton and the Black Country’s first LGBT Pride. I was impressed with the turnout and the number of organisations represented, including Wolverhampton Homes and the Prison Service.

“Councillor Ian Claymore, Mayor Christine Mills, Superintendent Janet Thomas-West and Peter Tatchell spoke on the main stage.

“I was particularly pleased to meet Peter and hear him speak. He is an incredibly courageous campaigner for LGBT rights. He reminded us of the horrific persecution gay men and lesbian women suffered forty years ago and he stressed that although significant progress has been made, there is still more to do.

“I would like to congratulate the LGBT Network and their group of volunteers for putting on such an excellent event.”