OFFICIALS at an organisation dedicated to promoting race equality in Dorset say a poster in Bournemouth's Pavilion Theatre is "definitely racist".

As reported, Sir Lenny Henry criticised the theatre over artwork on the dressing room wall.

The actor and comedian took to social media to complain about the picture following his show An Evening with Lenny Henry on Tuesday.

The undated poster was an old advert for Dick Whittington and His Cat at the Opera House in Richmond.

BH Live, which runs the theatre in Westover Road, has since apologised and said the poster has been removed.

Now Nathalie Sherring, chief officer of the Dorset Race Equality Council, said she would be contacting BH Live to recommend senior staff undergo training in "unconscious bias".

"It really is sad that nobody thought that that poster was inappropriate," she said.

"It is most definitely racist.

"There are a lot of negative connotations for black people in that image.

"It might be an old poster but BH Live should have thought about it before giving that dressing room to a black person.

"It is very sad that this sort of thing is still happening today. I know people can be blind to some old art work and information but it is still inappropriate.

"I have just finished giving training in showing unconscious bias to Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council staff. I think I will have to have a word with BH Live about its staff doing the same."

In his post on Twitter, Mr Henry said: "Thank you Bournemouth. Corkin'- but maybe change the posters in the dressing rooms."