POLICE have had to work hard to repair the damage done to their public image in large sections of the community over the past couple of years.

Twelve officers - 11 from the Greater Manchester force - faced disciplinary action after a BBC television documentary revealed shockingly racist attitudes amongst police at Warrington's Bruche Training Centre.

The outrageous remarks caught on film reignited the debate about whether recruitment to Britain's police reflects the society its officers serve.

Community leaders asked publicly how people could be expected to have confidence in organisations like the Metropolitan Police which had been dubbed as "institutionally racist."

Those in charge of Lancashire Police publicly committed themselves to increasing recruitment especially from the Muslim community and have run a number of enterprising initiatives.

Yesterday's trip to a Blackburn Islamic school to talk to teenage girls was a good example.

Pupils found the visit enlightening and were pleased to hear that they could still wear the Hijab - headwear - and observe religious prayer obligations.

The visit may not bring an immediate recruitment rush.

But it is part of a welcome long-term effort to break down barriers and encourage Muslim women to have no fear of approaching police.

Increased recruitment will follow as a natural part of that process.