Blackburn’s diverse communities were celebrated at a special ‘Afternoon Tea’ event.
Around 100 people turned out as community group One Voice held its annual Afternoon Tea over the weekend at St. Francis’ Church Hall.
Hosted by West End Girl (WEG) Alaina Masters, 13, guests were treated to a selection of tea, coffee, sandwiches, and cakes.
The afternoon tea event aims to bring bringing people from different backgounds and generations together.
Guests included the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Cllr Parwaiz Akhtar and his wife the Mayoress, Blackburn MP Kate Hollern, principal of Blackburn College Fazal Dad and members from Blackburn Foodbank.
The event was supported by the Anthony Nolan Trust in a bid to raise awareness of stem cell research amongst the community and young people from ethnic minorities.
Every 14 minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with blood cancer. 2,200 people each year need a stem cell transplant from an unrelated donor,and there is clear disparity in equity of access to treatment for those from minority ethnic backgrounds.
One of the guests in attendance, Derek Niel, said: “It feels great to have been invited to such a wonderful occasion filled with inclusivity and education of stem cell donation.
"We appreciate the community aspect and togetherness of the event and hope it continues."
The event was organised by One Voice Blackburn’s 2020 Vision group with the young people on hand to serve an array of drinks and sweet treats.
Some of the young members of the group baked some delicious goods including a Victoria sponge cake and other desserts.
Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Councillor Phil Riley, said: “I have been talking a lot about staff at the Council being a force for good and the team at One Voice Blackburn are definitely also in that category.
“The young people leading a lot of the activity are the best sort of ambassadors we could have.
"This event is just a really simple and effective way for people from different backgrounds to get together, chat and focus on common ground.”
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