When the letters calling for violence against Muslims dropped through letterboxes there were some in Leicester who were initially fearful.
But the message sent back on Tuesday was clear to those who would spread hate in the city - there is no place for it here.
The 'Punish a Muslim Day' letter contained a list of violent acts alongside a number of reward ‘points’ for carrying them out.
It was sent to at least one address in the city last month as part of a nationwide campaign encouraging hate and violence.
But residents of Leicester's St Matthew’s estate decided to repudiate the malice.
The letter had called for a 'Punish a Muslim Day' on April 3. Instead residents decided to gather for a 'Love Our Community Day' - and demonstrated their neighbourly spirit on Tuesday.
So a situation that began with threats and fear, ended with face painting, crafts and contented chatter.
Mothers and children walked door-to-door handing out daffodils to passers-by.
Other people were encouraged to get involved as smiling community support officers walked beside them for reassurance. They did not want anybody to feel frightened; nobody was going to let hate win.
