Mr Mallon will speak at the meeting in Middlesbrough

The regional Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called the meeting at Middlesbrough town hall, which will see the foundation of a group to combat racist activities.

Mr Mallon, a former senior police officer with Cleveland Police, said people from minority communities make a great contribution to life in north-east England.

He also said there was no place for groups which are not prepared to act with tolerance and respect.

Mr Mallon will make an address to those attending the meeting, including trade unionists and business leaders.

Among those taking part are TUC regional secretary Kevin Rowan, who said: "In the last local government elections we got a wake-up call about how more sophisticated political organisations have become.

Free speech

"I think there is a lot of disinformation that has come from the far-right regarding the actual number of asylum seekers and refugees in the North East.

"I think perhaps the mainstream parties have not dealt with the issues as well as they should."

He said that "false statements" should be challenged as part of a "mature debate" of the issues.

Mr Rowan said: "People should have the right to say what they want and we should not ignore difficult issues, my point is that we should base any arguments on fact."

The meeting takes place at Middlesbrough town hall at 1830 BST on Wednesday.