POLICE officers from Lancashire's Pennine Division were to meet Tony Blair today after scooping a national Justice Award.

Its community safety division team, which covers Colne, Nelson, Burnley and Rossendale, won the accolade for their Outstanding Achievement in Engaging Communities.

The awards recognise the work of people in the criminal justice system and there were more than 450 nominations across ten categories.

Lancashire submitted more 30 and as well as Pennine police, Lancashire Magistrates' Courts Committee's race equality steering group made the last three in Outstanding Commitment to Diversity.

The Community Safety Team won their award based on their work in community and race relations.

Highlights of their nomination included work in dealing sensitively and effectively with a wide range of local issues, the development of FLAG (Forum for Lesbian and Gay population) and their work with elderly and the vulnerable.

The team's successful partnership was also highlighted, including with MENCAP, the Group Intervention Panel, and Building Bridges, a multi-faith charitable organisation at Nelson and Brierfield.